We analyse West Coast Eagles’ 2014 AFL season.
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AFL Report Card: Collingwood
AFL Report Card: Carlton
WEST COAST EAGLES
(9th: 11 wins, 11 losses)
What went right:
The Eagles started the season well with three wins, and ended it equally as well with four wins in its last five matches in a late push for finals football.
It was as good as it good for Adam Simpson’s side, who were expected to play in September in 2014.
The Eagles had some solid individual performances from Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy, Luke Shuey and Andrew McKenzie in 2014, but overall they fell short of the aim as a collective.
What went wrong:
Adam Simpson promised a possession-based style of football, and for the most part they delivered it.
However a real lack of depth hurt the Eagles, as well as the fact that its tall forwards failed to click.
Much of it came down to the lack of delivery from the midfielders rather than poor play from Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
The Eagles had the highest average winning margin in the competition, however most of its wins came against lower opposition.
Star performer:
Matt Priddis.
The midfielder was outstanding in 2014 and made the cut for the AFL’s All-Australian 40-man shortlist, and deservedly so.
Priddis averaged 12 kicks and 29 disposals this season and it would not come as a surprise if he does make the cut for the final 22-man All-Australian squad.
A ray of light in what was a dull season for the most part for the Eagles.
The future:
The Eagles have an abundance of quality across the field, but depth remains a big issue.
Lack of pace in midfield continues to hamper Adam Simpson’s side, but realistically the list is good enough to play finals football.
Simpson won’t be afforded the same leeway as he has this season if he fails to make the finals in 2015.
It doesn’t mean he’ll be sacked, but he will face huge amounts of pressure from fans and media alike if West Coast don’t play football in September.
Score: 5.5/10
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