During the Christmas/New Year break, AFL.com.au looks at each club and how they're tracking for the 2011 pre-season
BEST 22
FB: Sam Butler Darren Glass Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters Eric Mackenzie Shannon Hurn
C: Luke Shuey Daniel Kerr Matt Rosa
HF: Andrew Embley Josh Kennedy Mark LeCras
FF: Mark Nicoski Quinten Lynch Jack Darling
FOLL: Dean Cox Matt Priddis Scott Selwood
I/C: Nic Naitanui Andrew Gaff Adam Selwood
SUB: Chris Masten
Medical room
Daniel Kerr won't do ball work until after Christmas following surgery on an injured finger and to correct a ligament problem in his right hand. Scott Selwood is expected to return to training in mid-January after a minor back operation, while Nic Naitanui is recovering well from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle. Rookie recruit Brad Dick will be sidelined early in 2012 as he continues to recover from a knee reconstruction.
Most valuable player
When Kerr was missing during the 2011 home-and-away season, the Eagles won seven of eight games. However, the team's three finals illustrate his true importance. The dynamic midfielder missed the first final against Collingwood, with his team out-classed, losing the clearances 53-31. He returned against Carlton in the first semi-final and was the difference between winning and losing, brilliantly orchestrating a second quarter fight-back that landed the Eagles in a preliminary final against Geelong. He was the team's best midfielder in that loss and remains John Worsfold's most dangerous midfielder heading into the new season.
Summer superstar
Koby Stevens was restricted by osteitis pubis and then a knee injury in his first two pre-seasons at West Coast, but he is relishing a clean bill of health this summer. The powerful inside midfielder is a touch leaner, running just behind pacesetter Luke Shuey and giving himself every chance to play early games in 2012.
Dream Team special
Beau Waters was a Dream Team favourite in 2010, but another elbow injury and lacklustre scores towards the end of 2011 saw his value plummet. The Eagles' vice-captain should enter 2012 modestly priced and will play if fit. He is worth tracking through the pre-season.
Pivotal match
Many Eagles have reflected on the importance of their round-one win over North Melbourne last year, with the narrow victory providing the belief required for the resurgence that followed. A similar opportunity presents against the Western Bulldogs in the team's 2012 season opener, with road wins crucial if the Eagles are to return to the top four.
Draftee watch
Murray Newman has been quick to impress in training with his speed and agility - two attributes that could see him earn games early in his career as a small forward. The teenager has also shown clean hands in contested situations, which has encouraged midfield coach Scott Burns.
Membership
A long-time powerhouse in the membership department, the Eagles have continued to attract plenty of support, with more than 41,000 fans already signing up.
NAB Cup schedule
Round one (Sunday, February 19): v Fremantle and Essendon, Patersons Stadium
Round two (Sunday, March 4): v Port Adelaide, Mandurah
Round three (Saturday, March 10): v St Kilda, Patersons Stadium
The Eagles will have a good year if…
… the senior core can reproduce their outstanding efforts of 2011. More improvement should be expected from important youngsters Luke Shuey, Eric Mackenzie, Jack Darling and Scott Selwood, but there is a risk senior players like Dean Cox, Darren Glass and Andrew Embley could tail off after playing career-best football last year. If they can reproduce that form, the Eagles will be flying.
The big issues
- Will tough calls be made to continue the development of young players? If Ash Smith, Koby Stevens and Brad Sheppard are to play regular senior football, it will likely be at the expense of senior players who have done the job before, making team selection a sensitive issue.
- How will the team handle potential hurdles? As brilliant as the Eagles' rise was in 2011, they had a dream run with injury. Can they hold their ground if key players are struck down?
- Can the 'land of the giants' forward line survive? It was a weapon in 2011, but the Eagles may have to balance their strategy of playing an extra tall forward at the expense of a runner capable of rotating midfield.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
