Last yr we had been all fast to dub West Coast’s 2022 season as ‘annus horribilis’.
But what occurs when the yr from hell proves to be not only a one-off however carries into the next yr too?
There is an air of The Simpsons episode ‘Homer at the Bat’ concerning the Eagles’ 2023 up to now and it is vitally simple to image Adam Simpson within the unlucky function of Mr Burns speaking concerning the certainty of his workforce profitable.
“Unless, of course, my nine all-stars fall victim to nine separate misfortunes and are unable to play — but that will never happen.
“Three misfortunes, that’s possible. Seven misfortunes, there’s an outside chance. But nine misfortunes? I’d like to see that!”
At this stage, Simpson would in all probability take 9 misfortunes — he was already coping with greater than a dozen previous to Jai Culley’s devastating ACL damage towards Richmond.
Not solely is West Coast’s damage checklist presently so prolonged it might take the sphere on a match day, the myriad stars on it (Luke Shuey, Nic Naitanui, Jeremy McGovern, Elliot Yeo et al.) imply it’s arguably stronger than the workforce they’re fielding on a weekly foundation.
So what can the Eagles take from this season?
Put merely, it’s about making certain the seeds are planted for future progress.
That is less complicated mentioned than finished in a yr which is already a write-off, when West Coast are scrambling to easily put out a workforce on the weekend in each the AFL and the WAFL.
But for these in a position to be on the market, they should be put able to succeed — not a lot instantly, however in a approach which is able to profit them years down the road.
Reuben Ginbey has already proven sufficient to counsel he has bought ‘it’, so when the Eagles get a number of reinforcements again from damage, they should empower him to be taught.
That ought to be giving him ample midfield time to organize him for his long-term future there, sometimes biking him via the backline to present him a relaxation.
Noah Long has proven flashes he is usually a long-term possibility within the ahead line and ought to be again from damage quickly.
Elijah Hewett has had a sluggish begin to his AFL profession, but when the Eagles really feel he may very well be a viable possibility as an inside midfielder shifting ahead, he ought to get some minutes on the coalface.
Ditto for Campbell Chesser and Brady Hough — work out their long-term positions and begin to expose them to it with rising regularity.
Stalwart Liam Duggan denied there was added stress on gamers out of contract on the finish of this season, however the stark actuality is as much as 18 Eagles are out of contract after 2023 and with the membership in rebuild mode, powerful selections should be made.
McGovern seems poised to re-sign for an additional two years, however Shuey, Cripps and Shannon Hurn’s offers are up on the finish of this season.
Jake Waterman and Culley have proven glimpses to counsel they’ve futures on the high stage, whereas Jamaine Jones has been a vibrant spark throughout half-back.
But there are many gamers but to nail down their spot within the workforce — Jack Petruccelle, Luke Edwards, Alex Witherden, Greg Clark, Connor West, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Luke Foley and Xavier O’Neil — staring down the barrel of make or break again halves of the yr.
Every participant coming off the books is aware of they might want to show they’ll supply the membership one thing in 2024 and past, as a result of the membership is within the crosshairs and won’t be handing out contracts simply for subsequent yr.
For all of the speak of tanking for Harley Reid, gamers and coaches are wired to be aggressive and with their futures at stake, will probably be out to show they’ll contribute.
The short-term ache might stretch into the mid-term, however West Coast should make each choice — on and off-field — with long-term achieve in thoughts.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
