Home and away review
With 17 wins for the year, season 2011 has been a resounding success for John Worsfold’s men.
Getting off to a slow start, the Eagles rebounded and found form with a 7-4 win/loss record by the half way point of the season. Since then, the boys from the west have only dropped one game, which occurred in round 17 in a tight contest with St. Kilda. The Eagles proved to the rest of the competition they deserved to be in the top 4 when they beat Carlton and Geelong back to back.
However, West Coast was tested by lower placed sides late in the year; Fremantle in the derby, which they won by a point, an 8 point victory over the Western Bulldogs in round 19, and in round 23 they came from 34 points down to get over the line against Brisbane.
Key finals player
Natanui has elevated his game this year. Taken pick number two in the 2008 National Draft, the young excitement machine has now played over 50 games and become an integral part of the team’s midfield.
Playing second ruckman under long-standing clubman Dean Cox, Natanui has thrived with his uncanny ability to be able to turn a game. Averaging just under 20 hit outs and 12 disposals a game, he has influenced many matches this season. However, his statistics don’t do him justice. Watching footage of his solid tap work in the ruck and ability to get clearances out of the middle demonstrates just how important he is to West Coast.
Naitanui’s sheer athletic ability and terrific ruck skills will provide an X-factor for the West Coast Eagles in this finals series.
Why West Coast can win the flag
Earning a top four position has given the Eagles a genuine chance in the finals. West Coast has shown throughout season they can muster a win from difficult situations. This experience will prove invaluable in the first week of the finals, as it’s certain the Magpies will come out of the blocks firing.
The Eagles have hit their straps at the right time of year, with in-form players in all positions on the field.
West Coast has two key established fowards in Mark LeCras and Josh Kennedy, as well as the dynamic duo of Cox and Natanui in the ruck. Their backline is stocked with older heads, all of whom have valuable experience in tough games. Their midfield is the envy of many teams in the competition, with experienced bodies such as Daniel Kerr and Andrew Embley, as well as younger exciting players like Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff.
Why West Coast can’t win
West Coast’s success boils down to the qualifying final against Collingwood: win that and the team has a week off, allowing the players to regroup and play a home preliminary final against a travelling side. Lose the first final and it becomes an uphill battle, a home semi final against either Carlton or Essendon, then a preliminary final against Geelong or Hawthorn in Melbourne.
A tough ask indeed.
Best possible result
Expect the Eagles to be contesting a preliminary final but winning that depends on the location. A home preliminary final equals a possible grand final berth, whereas an away one would make it hard to progress further.
West Coast faces Collingwood this Saturday from 2.20pm at the MCG.
Check out the rest of upstart’s AFL team previews here.
Dyson Baker is a second year Bachelor of Business (Sport and Leisure Management) student. You can follow him on Twitter @the firstbounce
