It's been a horrible year for West Coast after such high expectations during the pre-season. The Eagles lost four of their first five matches and never recovered. They were plagued by injuries all year with key players Nic Naitanui, Shannon Hurn, Beau Waters, Sharrod Wellingham, Luke Shuey, Matt Rosa and Daniel Kerr spending extended periods on the sidelines throughout the year. The Eagles put the cue in the rack with three weeks to go and the retirements of Andrew Embley, Adam Selwood and Mark Nicoski were announced, followed by Ashton Hams and Brad Dick after the last game of the year. The ended up losing nine of their last 13 and nine matches at Patersons Stadium.
What worked
Josh Kennedy was a shining light for West Coast in a dismal season. He had kicked 60 goals to round 20 and looked the Coleman medallist until his side failed to win enough football in the last three games to give him an opportunity to claim the crown. He went goalless in the last three matches as the Eagles managed just 16 goals total in three weeks. He will surely be honoured with his first All Australian jumper.
What failed
Nic Naitanui's groin was the biggest failure for the Eagles this season. The 2012 All Australian ruckman required groin surgery late in the pre-season and it ruined his entire year. He missed the first five rounds before kicking a goal after the siren in round eight to single-handedly beat North Melbourne. But thereafter he was ineffective as he battled soreness. He was rested after round 17 and never returned. Naitanui does not require more surgery but the Eagles will be diligent with their star to ensure he's fit and firing in 2014.
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Surprise packet
Eric Mackenzie announced himself as an elite key defender in the AFL in 2014. The 25-year-old has been quietly developing alongside Darren Glass and has been taking the number one key forward from the opposition for a couple of years but his performances this year have put him in All Australian contention. The Eagles shrewdly signed Mackenzie to a four-year contract extension in June and they expect him to be the pillar of their defence after Glass retires.
Eric MacKenzie looks like leading the Eagles' defence when Darren Glass retires.
Surprise packet
Eric Mackenzie announced himself as an elite key defender in the AFL in 2014. The 25-year-old has been quietly developing alongside Darren Glass and has been taking the number one key forward from the opposition for a couple of years but his performances this year have put him in All Australian contention. The Eagles shrewdly signed Mackenzie to a four-year contract extension in June and they expect him to be the pillar of their defence after Glass retires.
Eric MacKenzie looks like leading the Eagles' defence when Darren Glass retires.
Disappointment
Daniel Kerr, much like Nic Naitanui, was undone by a poor pre-season. The 30-year-old is in the twilight of his career but he still remains a match-winner when fit and firing but fitness was an issue for him all season as he battled knee issues throughout 2014. He was eventually sent away for early surgery but not before his coach criticized his lack of defensive effort as part of the reason he didn't play for the Eagles after round 14. Kerr did play twice in the WAFL, gathering 31 and 35 touches, before his year ended. He has a year to run on his contract and will need a big pre-season if he is to be the impact player the Eagles need in 2014.
MVP
Josh Kennedy
Best rookie/first year player
Mark Hutchings
Best win
The Naitanui after-the-siren win against North Melbourne, round 8
Low point
Losing four of the first five, and the manner in which they lost their last three matches.
What needs to improve
The injury toll is the obvious thing to improve but another area of frustration for Eagles supporters is their kicking efficiency. The Eagles finished second last in the AFL for effective disposal efficiency and they lost three matches to Carlton, Port Adelaide and Essendon when outscoring their opponents. Poor kicking also cost them against Richmond.
Who's done
Andrew Embley (retired), Adam Selwood (retired), Mark Nicoski (retired), Ashton Hams (retired), Brad Dick (retired).
What they need
The Eagles have the settled core group they need to be a force in the AFL but they could use some skillful, speedy midfielders and half-back runners to add to their depth. Injuries to Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey exposed the Eagles for a lack of line-breakers. The interchange cap won't affect West Coast too much as they already average around 120 changes per match. The Eagles have tended to rely on the draft more than trade or free agency in the past and may well do again to find the players they are looking for.
Daniel Kerr, much like Nic Naitanui, was undone by a poor pre-season. The 30-year-old is in the twilight of his career but he still remains a match-winner when fit and firing but fitness was an issue for him all season as he battled knee issues throughout 2014. He was eventually sent away for early surgery but not before his coach criticized his lack of defensive effort as part of the reason he didn't play for the Eagles after round 14. Kerr did play twice in the WAFL, gathering 31 and 35 touches, before his year ended. He has a year to run on his contract and will need a big pre-season if he is to be the impact player the Eagles need in 2014.
MVP
Josh Kennedy
Best rookie/first year player
Mark Hutchings
Best win
The Naitanui after-the-siren win against North Melbourne, round 8
Low point
Losing four of the first five, and the manner in which they lost their last three matches.
What needs to improve
The injury toll is the obvious thing to improve but another area of frustration for Eagles supporters is their kicking efficiency. The Eagles finished second last in the AFL for effective disposal efficiency and they lost three matches to Carlton, Port Adelaide and Essendon when outscoring their opponents. Poor kicking also cost them against Richmond.
Who's done
Andrew Embley (retired), Adam Selwood (retired), Mark Nicoski (retired), Ashton Hams (retired), Brad Dick (retired).
What they need
The Eagles have the settled core group they need to be a force in the AFL but they could use some skillful, speedy midfielders and half-back runners to add to their depth. Injuries to Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey exposed the Eagles for a lack of line-breakers. The interchange cap won't affect West Coast too much as they already average around 120 changes per match. The Eagles have tended to rely on the draft more than trade or free agency in the past and may well do again to find the players they are looking for.
