West Coast’s Top 22

Here is my personal list of the Eagles Top 22 players. It was very difficult to not include some of the new, younger players, or those coming back from injury, so I put in three emergencies as well.

Feel free to comment if you agree or if there are any changes that you would make…

BACKS

Scott Selwood

If you ever focus solely on Scott Selwood in defence, you will notice that he is one of the greatest antagonists in the AFL. Verbally and physically, he is constantly giving to his opponents.

Darren Glass

The All Australia defender has stood firm for West Coast for many years. As the calibre of opponents have changed each season, Glass has been able to adapt to their individual styles, while still maintaining his silky skills and strong attack n the football.

Beau Waters

Although he has battled injury over the last couple of seasons, what Waters has shown on field still makes him a defensive starter in West Coast’s top 22. Waters is aggressive and not afraid to use his body to attain contested possessions. If he can stay injury free, there will be a greater desperation for the football evident in the last line of defence.

HALF BACKS

Mitchell Brown

A knee reconstruction resulted to Brown missing the 2008 season, but come back stronger in 2009. He is a very versatile player who although is often seen as a forward line player, has proved his worth in defence. He has been placed opposite Andrew Embley (half forward flank) for convenience in switching if needed.

Eric Mackenzie

Started strong in 2009, and although he died off a little at towards the end of the season, Mackenzie has proved that he can effectively hold a key position in the backline.

Shannon Hurn

Hurn showed just how important he was to West Coast’s backline last season, after playing every game and finishing second in the clubs best and fairest. He led the club in rebounds from the defensive 50, effectively kicking long and accurately to his fellow team mates.

CENTRES

Adam Selwood

Adam Selwood averaged almost 25 possessions a game in 2009, bringing consistency to a struggling, depleted Eagles midfield. He is seen as an impact player who will do the little things to benefit his team mates. Kevin Sheedy earlier this year expressed his desire to bring all four Selwood boys over to Greater Western Sydney. So far, Selwood has declined the offer.

Matthew Priddis

Priddis was drafted into West Coast through the Rookie Draft in 2006, at the time where Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr and Ben Cousins ruled the midfield. When his opportunity arose to join these elite players on field, he held his own and was equally as impressive. Although two of the three have now left the Eagles, Priddis has continued his domination in the middle, with 2009 seeing him lead the club in tackles, handballs and hardball gets.

Matt Rosa

Another under rated player who is dangerous around the ball. Rosa struggled with shin splints in 2008, but came out the following season, playing all 22 games and started performing at his best. Rosa led the Eagles in received handballs in 2009, showing that he is often a go-to player.

HALF FORWARDS

Nick Naitanui

The Fijian excitement machine, Naitanui is only just starting to show what he is capable of on the field. With Dean Cox taking the number one ruck position in the top 22, it would be a shame to start Naitanui on the bench. With his agility and versatility, playing Naitanui off the half forward flank will allow him to run off his man, place tackling pressure in the midfield, draw defenders away from the forward line, and still provide a target for his team mates.

Quinten Lynch

Lynch has a massive kick that often sails through the goals from 60 metres out. A veteran for the Eagles, his experience is invaluable to his team mates. Lynch has been put at centre half forward to allow Josh Kennedy to play deep in the goals. Lynch is also able to act as the third ruckman, particularly up forward, and his effective boot from outside the 50 metre arc is another reason this spot is perfect for him.

Andrew Embley

Versatile and strong, Embley is a crucial player for the Eagles. He has been put in the forward flank position so he can push up the ground and create opportunities in the middle, as well as push back and kick the long goals. Known for his skills in defence, Embley is one of the older players at West Coast and needs to allow for the development of the younger defenders. He can rotate in for them when required also.

FORWARDS

Bradd Dalziell

Dalziell surprise many at Brisbane in his first game with the club, racking up 32 possessions, the most ever by an AFL player on debut. Unfortunately for Dalziell, injury and lack of opportunity saw him miss much of the 2009 season, including the finals series. Arguably the greatest pick up by West Coast in 2009, Dalziell is great around spillages, and is a proven midfielder. He will hopefully be able to spend more time in the middle as the Eagles look to putting together a potent midfield.

Josh Kennedy

Part of the Chris Judd trade, Kennedy has proven to be a very effective exchange. His potential to run the Eagles deep in attack is emphasized by his regular leads, strong mark and goal kicking ability.

Mark LeCras

One of the best smalls in the league that can play tall. LeCras is strong over head, quick to crumb and a true kick of the footy. LeCras really found his feet last season and was unlucky not to have received All Australian honours in 2009.

RUCKS

Dean Cox

Arguably one of the greatest ruckmen in the AFL. Cox is versatile and agile around the ground, with amazing football smarts. A groin injury limited Cox’s game time last season, and with Naitanui taking the ruck duties in his absence, we may see Cox spend a bit of time up forward.

Daniel Kerr

The potential to be one of the AFL’s greatest midfielders, Kerr spends a lot of time off the field due to injuries and suspensions. Strong, smart and clean in the middle, Kerr has stayed strong on field, and is one of the original premiership on-ball players.

Chris Masten

Drafted with great expectations, Masten began to show just how good he can be last season. He suffered with Osteitis Pubis in his debut season, but has continued to improve under the mentorship of former Eagles great, Dean Kemp.

INTERCHANGE

Brad Ebert

Battling groin problems since his debut season, Ebert found himself finishing the 2009 season very strongly. Ebert could possibly soon become one of the dominant players in the Eagles line-up, if 2009 is anything to go by.

Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls

A former first round draft pick for Richmond, West Coast picked up Oakley-Nicholls with pick 53 in the 2009 AFL Rookie Draft. He has suffered with injuries throughout his short career which has limited his opportunities to play AFL football. Hopefully the trip back to his home state will give this highly skilled and lightning fast midfielder the opportunities to reach his potential.

Tom Swift

Like several of his team mates, Swift struggled in his debut year with injury. However, 2009 saw him average 18 possessions a game. He played out of half back or in the midfield, and was not afraid to win the ball in contested situations.

Callum Wilson

Another Rookie Listed player that has the ability to become a key member of the Eagles senior squad. Wilson is a strong full forward with strong hands and a good lead. Wilson is also able to go back and kick truly for goal.

EMERGENCIES

Bradley Sheppard

Brad Sheppard is a naturally talent athlete, having represented Western Australia in cricket, and achieving All Australian honours in the 2009 U18’s Championship. The Eagles took young Sheppard over the likes of Lewis Jetta (Sydney) and Kane Lucas (Carlton) with pick 7 in the 2009 AFL Draft. Sheppard is a strong, pacey defender who excels in attack. Sheppard is an exciting prospect in the Eagles near future.

Luke Shuey

Shuey is yet to debut for West Coast due to a leg fracture and groin soreness. Shuey is an exceptional midfielder and at first will come into the league under rated by his opponents until they see his capabilities. Shuey will add another dimension the Eagles midfield if he can stay injury free.

Sam Butler

Butler has struggled with injury since being a part of the victorious 2006 Eagles Premiership squad. He played the last half of the 2009 season, finishing strong in the final few games, averaging 19 possessions off of half back. Butler will quickly find himself back in the Top 22 side if he can regain the abilities he had shown previously.