New coach bounce….Finally?

The Eagles have a chance to bounce back from possibly the worst performance of the season this week in Western Derby 59. Jarrad Schofield has been in the caretaker role for two games already, but the Eagles are still yet to reap the ‘new coach bounce’ rewards.

Last Meeting

WCE 16.9.105 def. FREM 10.8.68

The last time these two teams faced off it looked like we had finally turned the corner on the rebuild, with the Eagles burying Fremantle after a multi-year derby drought in front of a crowd of 47,665 happy supporters. The final score flattered Freo, with the Eagles leading at 3 quarter time by almost 70 points, before the Dockers reduced the deficit by 4 goals in the last quarter with the result a 37 point win.

Elliot Yeo (26 disposals, 6 clearances), Harley Reid (3 goals, 7 clearances) and Jake Waterman (5 goals) had star performances, with Yeo just narrowly taking home the Glendinning-Allen medal over Harley.

The Harley Reid show was in full swing last time around, with the prized draftee booting 3 goals and taking a screamer, culminating in a rising star nomination.

Preferred Lineup

IN: McGovern, Flynn, Waterman, Dewar

OUT: Rotham, Trew, L.Edwards, Cripps, B. Williams

The Eagles are hopeful on the return of Matt Flynn, Jake Waterman and Jeremy McGovern, all listed as ‘tests’ in the weekly injury update from the club.

After a very poor match against the Saints and a below average season, I believe Jamie Cripps deserves a stint in the WAFL. The man has not been up to his usual standards and the club needs to be giving opportunity to some of the youngsters in the last few weeks of the season.

Likewise for Bailey Williams who has been lackluster in ruck this year, if Flynn returns i believe he should also push Bailey out of the squad. Jack Williams has put together a fine season and can deputise as back up ruckman while providing more in the forward line than we have seen from Bailey.

Additionally i’d like to see Dewar get another opportunity as someone who can fill in for Jamie Cripps, however would be equally happy to see Clay Hall get his debut.

The Big Questions

Perhaps the biggest question leading into this match is can the Eagles midfield group can finally click again.

The Eagles have been beaten in clearances recently, registering 23 vs 31 last week against the Saints, and 38 vs 47 against the Lions the week before that.

The Eagles have also been beaten in contested possessions the past two weeks, losing the stat by 29 against the Saints and 13 against the Lions the week before. By comparison, the Eagles smashed Fremantle in contested possessions 132-108 in round 6 this year, resulting from the high amount of pressure applied and caused the Dockers to register 15 more turnovers throughout the match.

Will the return of Matt Flynn aid in an improved midfield performance?

Last time around the Eagles were significantly beaten in hitouts, with the Dockers registering 52 to the Eagles 24. If Flynn can provide the midfield group with some ball in hand, we all know how explosive the likes of Yeo and Reid can be.

Can the Eagles put together a four quarter performance?

You just never know which team is going to turn up each week. The week prior the squad seemed to be pushing the Lions to the final siren, narrowly losing but making the supporters proud with the effort shown. One week later, you could spot players jogging behind the play resulting in an embarrassing thumping at the hands of one of the current worst teams in the comp.

Reuben Ginbey spoke to the media during the week and promised a response this week, but how many times have we heard that before?

Can Harley Reid repeat his Derby brilliance?

Harley Reid set Optus stadium alight with a breathtaking performance in Round 6 for Derby 58. He proved the difference, and almost won the Glendinning-Allen medal in just his sixth game. Since being suspended, he has not recaptured the form he showed earlier in the season (though neither has almost the entire team). If he can pull off a similar performance to last time, we could be in for a treat.

My Tip

Unfortunately i am just not confident in the team currently. I think we are in for a tough watch this weekend. Fremantle by 40 points.