Some good info about the Eagles preseason so far...
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/ad...-waters-x-factor/story-fndv8w9k-1227195638951
The Eagles coach predicts a more stable starting combination in 2104. He expects the performances of Nic Naitanui, Scott Lycett, Chris Masten, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff, Jeremy McGovern and eventually injured duo Scott Selwood and Jack Darling to be the club’s barometer this season.
“They’re the next era that must form the frontline of performances at our club,” Simpson said.
The Eagles boss confidently tipped vast improvement from the heavily-criticised midfield and declared Beau Waters the “unknown” in West Coast’s premiership hopes.
And an emotional early playing return from inspirational defender Waters is on the cards.
"If West Coast played this week, the injury-ravaged 2006 premiership back liner would be in the starting 18", said Simpson.
Beau Waters is a strong chance to return from injury in the NAB Challenge.
"He is a standout performer over this summer and has been conspicuous with trademark run and dash from backward of centre alongside new captain Shannon Hurn since returning from Christmas holidays."
“He’s training at a level that is really high in terms of time on the track and his GPS and we’re just now going into some more competitive drills and he’s doing them pretty easily. But we haven’t thrown him in the deep end and I don’t want him to until as late as we can.
Simpson predicted Waters to return during the NAB Challenge.
Simpson confessed the best is yet to come from Wellingham, who is injury-free and in full training, as well as Naitanui.
The polarising big man is completing his finest and only first pre-season program since being drafted in 2008.
Simpson expects Naitanui to significantly increase his productivity on last season when he averaged 12 disposals, 22 hit-outs and nine contested possessions in 20 games.
“He hasn’t done everything and he never will, but Nic’s given himself every opportunity to perform better and to perform at a level that we all hope he performs at,” Simpson said.
“He rides the wave of expectation more than anyone, but at least now he’s had a really look at a pre-season and continuity with training and connection with our other forwards and midfielders.
“So I’m hoping that we can see a consistency at another level.”
Simpson gave clear indication he is unlikely to persist with a strategy of playing three ruckmen in his starting 22 with Naitanui, Lycett and Callum Sinclair all secure on the list following the retirement of champion big man Dean Cox.
It was at cumbersome last season as Simpson and his support coaches experimenting with three burly big men in his outfit as well as Kennedy and Darling up forward.
“I think you’ll see a more settled team, still flexible.
“They know their roles better now and how to execute their role better than last year.”
Also found this which is not good news for those of us who are Eagles fans or looking at him for our SC teams...
http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/ja...ays-adam-simpson/story-fndv8w9k-1227195647652
WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson has all but conceded forward Jack Darling and on-baller
Scott Selwood will miss Round 1 of the AFL season.
Selwood, 24, made a brief appearance with light running at training early this week but also appears unlikely to play any summer NAB Challenge games.