The Eagles are another team teetering on the edge. Can they still give the Top 8 a shake or are they destined for a year of rebuilding? A lot rests on the shoulders of their often injured stars.
West Coast Eagles Best 22
It seems each week the Eagles keep copping injury after injury and to some big name players as well. A lot may rest on the fitness of their stars but they do have some decent depth which can provide adequate coverage.
The Eagles backline looks to be pretty settled despite the early retirement of Brad Sheppard. Mainstays Shannon Hurn and Jeremy McGovern provide plenty of leadership back there and Tom Barrass, Liam Duggan and Josh Rotham also have plenty of experience. Sheppard’s retirement looks to have really opened up a permanent spot for Alex Witherden if he choses to take the opportunity, while Tom Cole can play a more defensive role back there if needed as well.
No matter which way you look at it, their midfield is star-studded with names like Andrew Gaff, Tim Kelly, Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey and of course Nic Naitanui. A big injury cloud hangs over Shuey but youngsters Luke Edwards and Connor West should be ready to take that next step in midfield should Shuey not get back to full fitness. Jack Redden and Greg Clark have both been excluded from this side due to their longer term injuries.
With Jack Darling unlikely to front up for the Eagles this season, a lot of responsibility will rest on Oscar Allen’s shoulders. He himself is under an injury cloud which could pave the way for early season games for Jake Waterman and/or Bailey Williams to show their wares. The recruitment of Sam Petrevski-Seton gives the Eagles a bit of class around the ground and the return of Willie Rioli is going to be massive for the Eagles, especially considering the long term injury to Jamie Cripps.
With a growing injury list there will be plenty of opportunity for exciting draftees Campbell Chesser and Brady Hough to make their debuts while Zac Langdon, Xavier O’Neill, Jack Petrucelle and Jackson Nelson will also be a chance for regular games this season.
CBA prediction
2021 CBA leaders (by average):
- Nic Naitanui
- Elliot Yeo
- Tim Kelly
- Luke Shuey
- Dom Sheed
- Jack Redden
The Oracle’s 2022 CBA prediction:
- Nic Naitanui
- Elliot Yeo
- Tim Kelly
- Dom Sheed
- Connor West
- Luke Shuey
Kick-in prediction
2021 kick-in leaders:
- Shannon Hurn
- Alex Witherden
- Jeremy McGovern
The Oracle’s 2022 kick-in prediction:
- Shannon Hurn
- Alex Witherden
- Jeremy McGovern
Krunchie
March 4, 2022 at 10:28 pm
redden excluded due to long term injury ?????