TOPIC:

Up to now there has been a bit of an assumption in the footy community that when it comes to the crunch time of the season, there will be three teams fighting out for the premiership, namely Hawthorn, Sydney and Fremantle. When West Coast lost two of their best defenders to season ending injuries early in the year, critics were very quick to write them off and predicted that they would fall over.

Well we are over half way through the season and the Eagles are still in the top 4 and looking like they may stay there. Their defence has adjusted very well in the absence of Mckenzie and Brown. Schofield and Mcgovern have adapted to the circumstances. Natanui has improved out of sight this year given the responsibility of being number one ruckman, Priddis is getting so much more support in the midfield from guys like Shuey, Masten, Gaff and Yeo ( who is a class act). Their forward line is pretty much the best in the AFL and they are kicking higher scores than everyone except Hawthorn. Guys who have been passengers in previous years (e.g. Wellingham and Josh Hill) have slotted in to their roles and contributing a lot. The whole team appears to have a defensive mindset and give the opposition very little space and time. Simpson seems to be an excellent strategist and calm and cool in the coaches box.

Their test will come in the next 6 weeks when they play all the other contenders but if they can stay in the top 4 my feeling is that they have just as much a chance as any of the top 3. There is also the distinct possibility that the Eagles and Dockers may play a final this year which would be an event that would stop the state without doubt.

What do others think?

mikeh wrote: Their test will come in the next 6 weeks when they play all the other contenders

They have been exceptional considering, but the real tests are coming I think. I like Simpson as he is very controlled & level headed even in the heat of battle it seems. And he seems to be a realist when he is interviewed.

I will reserve judgment until they play the Hawks,Swans,Freo & Pies. All huge tests for them. If they won 2 of those I would consider that a pass. Their win at the MCG over Richmond was exceptional considering Richmond knocked both Fremantle and Sydney off on their home grounds. That is something hard to ignore.

But I still cant separate Sydney,Hawthorn & Fremantle at this stage.

Hawthorn for me at this stage. They're building nicely and still have Frawley and co to come back in. I think Freo will struggle to kick a winning score at the pointy end and West Coast will struggle to stop sides kicking a winning score. In Freo's favour is they have a fantastic defence once Johnson and Dawson become available and there's the old addage that defence wins games and offence takes care of itself...but not sure they have enough options up forward to get over the likes of Hawthorn.

yep...agree anchor..I think Pearce is worth an extended run in the one's just to see what he brings to the table. It will also take some time for Johnson and Dawson to get match fit so reckon we'll see the young fella for quite a while yet.

the problem is Dawson is bit of a favourite with Lyon and I thought his form last year was pretty good...but yes, I agree if young Pearce does the business then they should stick with him and give him plenty of time to adjust to senior footy and not just a couple of weeks.

Sorry to highjack this freo topic, but:
Can the Eagles win the flag? In my opinion....NO. They have a big problem called the Hawthorn Football Club. Then there's 2 other speed bumps - Freo and the billionaire's club. Can't wait to play the big 3, as it will show us exactly where they stand against pure talent.

58shark wrote: Sorry to highjack this freo topic, but:
Can the Eagles win the flag? In my opinion....NO. They have a big problem called the Hawthorn Football Club. Then there's 2 other speed bumps - Freo and the billionaire's club. Can't wait to play the big 3, as it will show us exactly where they stand against pure talent.

Well put 58

Eagles will conquer the Pies then a Hawthorn ravaged Sydney side the following week. There is some stat going round on fox footy, I'm not exactly sure what it is - some scoring ratio to something, that every premiership side has had. Only Hawks and Eagles have that stat. So according to history it is a two horse race.

have to admit I think the eagles have been terrific, in terms of playing watchable footy. some games Ive seen this year have been borderline garbage. But they and hawthorn are worth turning the box on for. But even the eagles have admitted the next month is their true test. A block of games to test any side, we will know more then I think. Collingwood will really test them this week, and I have been very impressed with the younger players at the magpies. They are another side developing so it will be a tough game to tip. If it was in Perth Id back WCE, but over there its always harder. Might tip a draw

jardine wrote: have to admit I think the eagles have been terrific, in terms of playing watchable footy. some games Ive seen this year have been borderline garbage. But they and hawthorn are worth turning the box on for. But even the eagles have admitted the next month is their true test. A block of games to test any side, we will know more then I think. Collingwood will really test them this week, and I have been very impressed with the younger players at the magpies. They are another side developing so it will be a tough game to tip. If it was in Perth Id back WCE, but over there its always harder. Might tip a draw

Yup sorta my theory too, played 3 goodish side Tiges away ( win) North away loss, freo home loss. Now comes the real tests ( especially away games against the other "big boys")