Ranking West Coast Eagles YOUNG TALENTS (AFL)

Jesse ranks every young talent at the West Coast Eagles.

[@mintoxace5571]

Hewett & Reid are the Judd & Cousins of the current squad if they reach their potential.

[@PhilMcCrackin-f3n]

Yep, that kid Hewitt is a gun, I hope they can sort his foot issue out.. syndesmosis at his age is a worry. He is going to have to do most of his cardio on a bike methinks from here on in.

[@mintoxace5571]

@@PhilMcCrackin-f3n yeah that’s what I’m worried about too mate.

[@jaydolliver5179]

@@PhilMcCrackin-f3nhe had seaamoiditis. It’s been operated on and they’ll deal with it accordingly. It’s something he had since before he was drafted and didn’t know what it was, so I highly doubt he’ll have it again

[@PhilMcCrackin-f3n]

@@jaydolliver5179 Hope so,, I like the look of him... ; ]

[@PhilMcCrackin-f3n]

Mate, Cully is a gun, any kid who kicks four goals in an AFL game in less than half a dozen games is someone to lookout for. Maybe hes not a midfielder, but he can certainly play on the half forward or half back line.. I think apart from Reid hes near the top of the list. Noah long, pick him in the forward pocket and leave him there.. he is a less angry version of Hayden Ballantyne.. hes another one who will do just fine ; ] Maric, just knows where the goals are.. that cant be coached.. its a talent you either have or haven't got, Id just stick him in the other forward pocket and give him free rein to go wherever he wants. Reid, hes a decent sized unit, he gives me Ben Cousins vibes as well, so glad we didnt trade him away ; ] RE forward depth when you factor in Waterman and Oscar Allen we are looking pretty good on that front. Its the midfield, a young ruckman and backup for Barras and the Guv we need to be on the lookout for. I really like the look of Hewitt as well, hope they can sort out his foot issues, maybe he needs to do a whole less running and more cycling in the pre season. Its a worry he has a stress related injury at such a young age. Ginbey might be worth a punt on the half backline...gives us a bit of marking power and his kicking (from what Ive seen) has a bit of penetration.. his left foot could become a weapon the same way Lewis Jettas kicking was a weapon. I think he is the natural replacement for Duggan, who to be honest, should be retired pretty soon.. way too slow now for AFL level.. fck nose why Simmo keeps putting him in the midfield thats an experiment that has never worked. He is a back pocket option only now.

[@TrueEagleAFL]

Mate, I'd love you to be right. Fingers are crossed and I'm not writing him off. But I reckon he's 50/50 to get a contract for 2025

[@ogidy001]

I am more bullish on Cully too. Big strong guy that can rotate the middle and play as a flanker.

[@PhilMcCrackin-f3n]

@@TrueEagleAFL Mate, I think that is Simmos biggest weakness, he sticks with guys for a year or two too long . Butler and Selwood, legendary Spartans of the club should have been told to retire a year earlier than they did. I hope there is someone strong in the administration who can make the tough calls on the list at the end of this year. Darling , Gaff and Duggan need to be given a send off during our final game at Optus... They've been great servants of the club and we love them dearly, but sadly, time waits for no man and their ''watch '' is over. Cheers ; ]

[@hellobilly8529]

Don't think they are gonna retire Duggan they just made him co captain

[@PhilMcCrackin-f3n]

@@hellobilly8529 Yes, and that was a huge mistake, Im not sure hes even in their best 22 anymore. He has been a solid player for sure.. but hes never done anything to warrant being made co captain.. whoever came up with that idea should get a punch in the face. Oscar Allen, he was the man who should have been sole captain, with McGovern as deputy IMO.... or vice versa.

[@footyflamez7455]

Great video Jesse, it’s been a long dark road and there is probably still more to go, but last week made me realise with all that young talent there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Cheers to that 🦅🥂

[@stevelewis2080]

Burgiel, Harvey, Hall are going to be absolutely AFL-level talent. Need a solid run of health and form and Rawlinson has the tools to also make it.

[@truedardii]

Be good to see a mid season and end of season update on this vid

[@LeeWCE]

Pretty accurate list for what we’ve seen so far. Reid way ahead of everyone else, hope some others become elite alongside him.

[@haydencribbon9165]

Thoughts on Maric as a 3rd tall defender? Feel like his attributes are more suited with higher usage.

[@Deathnote7969]

3rd tall forward.

[@brettgleadell3576]

I think Ginbey is starting to come on, he's actually found space a few times this year, shanked a couple kicks but hits it like a madman, he was really courageous last week going back with the flight if the ball, I think he's captain material with how he presents himself *except for his haircut haha, there's a bit to like at the Eagles but really raw

[@seanchristie7150]

Fantastic analysis as usual, I feel that most of them, like a lot of AFL players need some time to develop, a rare few come onto the game under 21 and play top flight footy, if they do a large percentage are fly by nighters or are crippled by injury as the cut n thrust of AFL cruels there developing bodies. Patience is a virtue and while it is hard in a club that has been cruelled by injury, sometimes you just have to wait. I feel Hough has been absolutely 1st class up back though n is only improving at a rapid rate

[@BDub2024]

Ginbey played half back for East Perth in his last year before drafted. But remember that was in the league team, so no opportunity to play in the middle.

[@JonGarrood]

I like and agree with the comparison between Hewett and Ginbey. Once H Reid develops a tank hopefully as a trio they compliment each other. It’s also important for Burgiel to get healthy so he, Hall and maybe Culley can rotate through the middle. Having only A Ried, Barnett and Bazzo as the key position youth is super worrying. But it’s a long journey and Maric could be anything I like him.

[@sleekism23]

Seen Barnett and Livingstone play together 3 times and Livingstone has been better every time. Stronger in the contest, cleaner hands, a better kick and goal sense.

[@PlayOnFooty]

Agreed

[@kaiegan8654]

I feel like culley will be alot better than u suggest

[@numynumevs]

I'm excited about Clay Hall Fingers crossed

[@Croob22]

Really like the list, I do feel like it's a bit harsh on Culley but I do think the points you make are absolutely valid but I reckon he'll put any doubts to rest when he gets a clean run at is! I like that you put Maric and Longy that high up, I'm a big forwards fan, I think it's the coolest position in the game so I'm a bit biased towards those kinds of guys! I do have a very unrelated question for you mate, with all this talk of getting Tim English, say that we nab him, then we have Flynn and English in the ruck with Barnett developing in the WAFL, what would you reckon of trying to get some currency for Bailey Williams? it's a question the boys and I over on the Eagles discord have raised a few times now and we haven't really come to a consensus

[@stallon720]

Been a bit of talk on bigfooty about it too, would have to be a first rounder to be considered imo. Hes turned out better than most second rounders do, and is a good age for our list. Id rather just let Flynn go or maybe use Barnett as some trade bait with a SA club. BWilliams could be fringe in 3 years time if A.Reid comes on as a ruck/fwd though is the only issue.

[@TrueEagleAFL]

The tricky thing is that I still think an English/Williams combo would be better than an English/Flynn combo, so I'd still rather keep Bailey. It sounds like we are likely to miss out on English anyway

[@BDub2024]

Dewar is developing nicely. But we have so many mid sized forward flanker types. How can he leap frog the others? Can he move into the middle and be a classy player. Can he be a Josh Hill type in time when he fills out. Is he better? Jack Williams does some good things but is still raw. What will happen when BWilliams is permanently up forward? Do you play JWilliams too and get Allen to lose some weight and play a more mobile forward role?

[@PlayOnFooty]

I’d play Culley as a Adam hunter type swingman

[@Andy-o2f]

My view of WCE 22 & under players who can play 100+ games: Brockman, Hough, Bazzo*, Chesser*, Hewitt, Long, Ginbey, Reid, Hall (* = wouldn't want to miss too much more footy due to long injury layoffs). One or two of the 196+cm kids might make it but they are a harder long term read. These kids basically cover the outgoing McGovern, Cripps, Darling Gaff, Yeo, Kelly, Hunt & Sheed over the next ~ 4 years and it gives an idea of the amount of work the WC list management still have ahead of them. IMO, this will require at least 3 more strong drafts before trades can impact list holes to get the team back in the flag window.

[@BDub2024]

I think Culley could end up being tall half forward or tall half back. I was concerned initially as he was more interested in tackling than finding the footy at times. I just hope he stays fit for a few years after an ACL. I think he should be a 50 gamer at least, maybe a 100 gamer. He could be a good half back like a Hough type role.

[@BDub2024]

Hough is good. I'd like him more running half back, with time on the wing. But he is being developed as a mid sized defender and you only have to look at Hurn Worsfold Shepperd... other midfielders who turned into defenders, to see how important that role is.

[@BDub2024]

I'd put Bazzo way ahead. His first year was very good playing on mid sized forwards. Then last year there were injuries and family tragedy. Also due to injuries he was put on some power forwards. In my opinion he is definitely in the top 25 players for the club. He can play on tall and mid sized forwards. He moves well and has good temperament. Within a year he will be a regular. But he will play a different role than Barrass and play a bit more mobile. Injuries this year unfortunately. Then HEdwards would play on the monster forwards.

[@BDub2024]

Ginbey seems to be better on the wing or half back I reckon. He is an excellent runner, good pace and strong. In the middle he has a turning circle of a tractor. I think he lacks the mobility to cut through the middle and avoid tackles. Certainly he tackles hard, so could be a defensive mid like Duggan at times. But when he gets it he looks really rushed. At other AFL clubs he'd be playing half back. Its good that Eagles are fast tracking him as a mid. He has a loping running style, so better out wide and in straight lines where his excellent running can cut up teams. I just don't see him doing it in the middle yet. I'd be playing Ginbey more wing and half back and protect his young body.

[@BDub2024]

Hewitt could end up playing centre or half forward. Whatever is best for the team. Like Toby Green it could end up happening that half forward is where he causes the most damage. I don't see him as a wingman. I wouldn't rush him into the middle, especially this year when his injuries have him underdone. He is smart, quick and good disposal. Hungry.

[@BDub2024]

You may want to see footage of Mitchell White and Andrew Donnelly when they played the CHF roles. Both weren't tall players and relied on mobility. But they could actually mark too, like Maric. At one year, both boys played in a twin CHF role. The question is whether he can be as good as a Donnelly. He didn't end up playing that many games for the Eagles, so Maric really needs to rely on street smarts and good kicking. Donnelly only played 68 games and I think that could be Maric's fate. Can Maric become a half back in time and use his good physicality and disposal to good effect. In time he may need to reinvent himself.

[@BDub2024]

he won't be as good as White, but his mobility and size is similar.

[@mintoxace5571]

I agree that Culley is too slow to be a mid. If he makes it it will be as a forward I’d say.

[@stevendank7374]

Yes keep him half forward flank

[@Andy-o2f]

Between 2000 and 2015: West Coast drafted 128 players, 13 x 200+ games, 21 x 100+ games, 10 x 50+ games. Based on these numbers applied to West Coast's current 22 & under demographic (22 players), then 2 will go on to play 200+ games, 3 will play 100+ games and 2 will play 50+ games. 15 x 22 & under players won't make 50 games and 7-8 of them won't play 10 games of AFL footy.

[@BDub2024]

I wonder if Adelaide will go after H Barnett. If they offer a top 18 pick and we get English then what do we do? We used pick 18-20 on Barnett I think, so it would have to be an earlyish draft pick.

[@stallon720]

Agree with the list. I think Burgiel will be a good player IF he can stay on the park, which is a challenge atm, Hall will be ok, but he wont be a star. Culley I dont think makes it, he will end up being a good WAFL player imo, or go to another club. Hes behind Reid/Hewett/Ginbey, plus there is guys like Hall, Chesser and Kelly/Yeo in the midfield still, I dont think hes ahead of any them in the medium term, I also dont think he makes it as a forward, still too slow. We have Allen and Maric, plus a ruck/fwd as our 3 talls in the forward line long term, adding a slow 190cm player doesnt fit imo. Bazzo im still positive on, get him in the team alongside Gov and TB and ease him into it I reckon. I do think hes the long term Gov replacement, as you said, hes got nice skills and his ability to read the play was a trait when he was drafted

[@peterhicks3516]

A big challenge for you, but the real concern for the Eagles, is how this talent compares to the talent of the other teams. Have we recruited a group of players that are going to be better than the players at other clubs?

[@TrueEagleAFL]

Great question. I back in the midfield talent of Reid, Ginbey and Hewett which may also have someone like Finn O'Sullivan added to it in 7 months time. The talls need some work however

[@muaythaigoof]

Low key West Coast may want to try to get Busslinger out of the Bulldogs. Hasn't played yet due to their KPP depth, rookie contract hasn't been extended

[@TrueEagleAFL]

That'd be awesome

[@BDub2024]

Of the bottom six, it looks like Clay Hall may be the best one. Then Burgiel, but he has barely played due to injuries. I have hopes for Johnston as a mid/forward. Livingstone competes hard, but may never make it. Baker needs to keep working hard. Rawlingson needs a few more years.

[@cozz_a_can1346]

Culley got unlucky, done a knee right when he was starting to make a name. Would have played the season out otherwise. Think we need to put a little more respect on his name.. fingers crossed he doesnt get scrubbed like West for being recruited at a shitty time.

[@BDub2024]

Long showed some good stuff last week. But I do think he isn't getting a lot of the ball. I'd like to see him spend time on the wing and really develop him. Simmo needs to stop pigeon holing people. Long if needed can spend time at WAFL and give him some matches where he can play 100 minutes in the middle.

[@BDub2024]

How unlucky is Burgoile. Did his hamstring and missed most of last year. Then did a strain early this year. Now appendicitis.

[@TrueEagleAFL]

Shuey-esque!

[@BDub2024]

They are playing Chesser a bit out of position. He is an inside mid and as a wingman he gets out of position. In his games last year, I saw him running up and down the wing with the ball going past him and over his head etc... Reminds me of when I'd do circle work at footy training as a junior. I'd be running laps after laps of the oval with multiple footies being passed around and the ball just wouldn't be kicked to me... Seeing him brought back memories. His disposal isn't quite good enough for half back. But he should be on and off the bench playing inside mid. He needs to spend a bit of time at WAFL I reckon to further develop.

[@wazza9089]

I dont see this in Chesser, to play inside mid you need good hands and he isnt elite in with his hands.

[@BDub2024]

@@wazza9089 He played his best footy last year as an inside mid. Even preseason in the practice matches he looked better in the middle. The Eagles put him on the wing in recent weeks and he's struggled. That will be the challenge for him. He could go as a defensive half forward too, but there are already options there. To be fair with Chesser, there isn't much elite at the Eagles anywhere.

[@BDub2024]

@@wazza9089 He will just have to work on his skills and in the meantime use his pace and explosiveness.

[@wazza9089]

@@BDub2024 Im not saying he belongs on a wing it's just his skills are not there for an inside mid, his pace and explosiveness are also up for debate. We were our worst ever last year, saying he played his best as inside mid in that isnt a positive. I know he is still relatively young but i haven't seen anything to be exited about from him.

[@BDub2024]

@@wazza9089 yes, whether he'll ever be good enough that's a different issue. if he is in the team he needs to be half forward, inside mid... give him more games at WAFL to learn how to play as a centreman. I'd like him to play 10 games WAFL / 10 games AFL. For me he operates better in confined spaces and has a bit of raw pace. My comments are more about his best position, not whetehr he should be a regular. They need to consider Ginbey on the wing and/or Hunt.

[@jlrob85]

Has anyone taken in the mid season draft lasted in the league?

[@ScottyGem321]

newcombe looks to be going pretty well so far, marlion pickett has made a good career for himself as well

[@ogidy001]

John Noble, Marlion Pickett, Sam Durham, Ryan Gardner, will Snelling, Jai Newcombe are all mid-season draft picks and most of these are best 22 picks players or close.

[@Matt-wn7kg]

Dhu-are.. not Dee-wah 🙈

[@TrueEagleAFL]

Every time I say one or the other, I get corrected. But I’m led to believe he specifically pronounced it that way even though that surname is usually said Dhu-are

[@BDub2024]

For the Eagles diehards. Who is a better bid bodied forwards? Steven Jackson or Jack Williams? I think he is better than Fraser McInnes.

[@feefee88]

U do realise that hough, campbell chesser,, Zane trew, brockman and jai culley are all the same age ... yet u said that trew, brockman are too old for the list and Chester and hough are not but their all 21... also jai culley is gonna be a star so I disagree with u about him

[@TrueEagleAFL]

Chesser, Hough and Culley are 2003 born and Trew and Brockman are 2002 - which is where I arbitrarily drew the line haha

[@feefee88]

@TrueEagleAFL ... their age is all 21 mate regardless of that .. u said their too old and their not. Regardless of yr born ... while someone is 21 someone is 21 till the day of their birthday. And classy with the laugh ... I'm a fan I asked u a question and that's how u responded . Not very professional

[@TrueEagleAFL]

For sure - I was just explaining that I looked at it per year of birth, you can slice it up a number of different ways. The ‘haha’ was not meant to be patronising, I often add it as a throwaway habit at the end of sentences. I appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@markp2122]

Unfortunately other than Reid I think there’s a lot of B and C graders in that young talent. None of it has really impressed in a big way. Jury out on Ginbey who seems a better athlete than footballer, Hewett can’t stay fit. Not convinced on any of Long, Chesser, Barnett, Culley, Maric as yet.

[@stallon720]

They dont have to all be A-graders, good clubs only have a few of them. Collingwood last year had Moore, Pendlebury, DeGoey, Daicos x2, Quaynor and maybe one of Hill/Elliot. 7 players If we have Allen, Reid, Hewett, along with Long, hough, and Ginbey who look like they could be A-graders, throw in this years 1st rounder, and 2025 1st round pick(along with random chance from other picks) we have a decent looking list. We could even land someone like English too who would be another. Most of the young guys are too early to tell, especially the talls, Bazzo and A.Reid could easily both turn out to be A-graders, ive included Moore in the pies A-graders so ive been lenient with them too

[@wazza9089]

Young blokes never convince anyone unless they are elite, and it takes time if they are not. Ginbey is a bit of a unicorn imo, once his body fills out a bit he could be dangerous. Im a fan of Long, think he will be there for our next finals push. We dont need all of this group to be A graders, just add few here or there will suffice i reckon

[@Deathnote7969]

Chesser is lol.