Following Craig`s thread in the Hawks board this is where we can keep track of all our preseason.
How players are going especially Waters and anyone that had post season surgery.
Starting this off is our NAB Challenge fixtures.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-10-28/preseason-fixture-confirmed
The West Coast Eagles will prepare for season 2015 with three big games against Carlton, Port Adelaide and Fremantle as part of next year
Anyone know when they are back to training? I thought it was 8 weeks off? They have had a fair stint on the sidelines.. Surely back next week?
Quote from: noto07 on October 29, 2014, 02:29:13 PM
Anyone know when they are back to training? I thought it was 8 weeks off? They have had a fair stint on the sidelines.. Surely back next week?
I just had a look to see when but didn`t find anything.
Quote from: LF on October 29, 2014, 02:31:01 PM
Quote from: noto07 on October 29, 2014, 02:29:13 PM
Anyone know when they are back to training? I thought it was 8 weeks off? They have had a fair stint on the sidelines.. Surely back next week?
I just had a look to see when but didn`t find anything.
Hopefully next week, we need to be whipped into line haha
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-11-05/youth-on-show
The changing of the dynamics in the West Coast squad were evident at McGillivray Oval today when the clubs first to fourth year players returned to begin pre-season training.
In the recent past, that group would have numbered a dozen or so, but virtually half of the squad was on the track today a sure indication of the youth on the list.
Consider that four more youngsters will make their way to the club through the national draft and the Eagles will boast an abundance of emerging talent.
Irish recruit Paddy Brophy, baseball convert Corey Adamson and father-son selection Alec Waterman were all a part of the contingent who hit the track for the first session of the preseason. And generally they looked in good shape, perhaps even a little stronger than when they finished the 2014 campaign.
Dom Sheed looked to have put some upper body strength on his frame, along with Tom Barrass and Rowen Powell; Jeremy McGovern looked in terrific shape and so did Murray Newman, Malcolm Karpany and Scott Lycett.
Veteran Beau Waters has returned with the younger players, having spent a year on the sidelines battling shoulder issues.
While the players have been on an extended break, they all looked in fine fettle.
They eased back into training with a conservative skill-based session of about 30 minutes, kicked away the cobwebs, but will continue to build from here.
Next Monday, the middle tier of players (fifth to eighth years on the list) will resume, with the full squad back together a week after that.
Beau
https://mobile.twitter.com/WestCoastEagles/status/529843031239700480
our new ruck coach :P
https://mobile.twitter.com/WestCoastEagles/status/529854688938586112/photo/1
https://mobile.twitter.com/WestCoastEagles/status/529832264331325442/photos
Quote from: LF on November 05, 2014, 05:51:38 PM
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-11-05/youth-on-show
The changing of the dynamics in the West Coast squad were evident at McGillivray Oval today when the clubs first to fourth year players returned to begin pre-season training.
In the recent past, that group would have numbered a dozen or so, but virtually half of the squad was on the track today a sure indication of the youth on the list.
Consider that four more youngsters will make their way to the club through the national draft and the Eagles will boast an abundance of emerging talent.
Irish recruit Paddy Brophy, baseball convert Corey Adamson and father-son selection Alec Waterman were all a part of the contingent who hit the track for the first session of the preseason. And generally they looked in good shape, perhaps even a little stronger than when they finished the 2014 campaign.
Dom Sheed looked to have put some upper body strength on his frame, along with Tom Barrass and Rowen Powell; Jeremy McGovern looked in terrific shape and so did Murray Newman, Malcolm Karpany and Scott Lycett.
Veteran Beau Waters has returned with the younger players, having spent a year on the sidelines battling shoulder issues.
While the players have been on an extended break, they all looked in fine fettle.
They eased back into training with a conservative skill-based session of about 30 minutes, kicked away the cobwebs, but will continue to build from here.
Next Monday, the middle tier of players (fifth to eighth years on the list) will resume, with the full squad back together a week after that.
Wont be too many in that last tier. Priddis and Butler? Any others maybe rosa sliding into it just?
Week 2 update
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/2014-11-10/preseason-update-101114
Sinclair and Nic Nat return to training
Pics from today`s training session
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2014-11-10/the-running-begins
Very nice pic of Beau there
Jezza looks to have dropped some more weight
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/afl/a/25497648/eagles-blow-as-newman-injures-ankle/
Murray Newman has suffered a pre-season setback, with the West Coast forward injuring his left ankle in a training mishap yesterday morning.
The 20-year-old hurt the joint during a skills session at UWA Sports Park in just the second week of the club's pre-season.
He was spotted being driven off the training track sitting in the back of a small trailer with his ankle heavily iced.
Newman was later helped inside club rooms at the Mount Claremont venue for treatment in the hands of trainers.
Initial scans have cleared Newman of any bone breaks, but the rookie-listed player will miss at least two to three weeks of training with what is believed to be a high-grade sprain.
The worst case-scenario would mean Newman being sidelined until January in a blow for the footballer as he seeks a return to favour after being released from jail in September.
Enormous blow for the kid, needs to have an impact this year for sure if he wants to keep his career alive and to be honest I think we could really really use him if he can get himself right.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say he's in my best 22. There I said it.
Some footage of Paddy Brophy at training
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/2014-11-14/brophy-settles-in
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-11-17/safety-first-for-darling
WEST Coast is taking a risk-free approach to Jack Darlings recovery from a foot stress fracture, with the key forward headlining a host of Eagles on the comeback trail this pre-season.
Key defender Eric Mackenzie (hip surgery), veteran backman Beau Waters (shoulder), midfielder Sharrod Wellingham (knee/shin) and tall utility Jeremy McGovern (hip) are on light pre Christmas duties in their returns from injury.
Although Darling, 22, will be restricted in his running before the new year, the Eagles are not concerned about his fitness leading into 2015.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-11-17/nervous-over-nic-nat
WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson admits he is nervous about star ruckman Nic Naitanui playing in Saturday nights Virgin Australia International Rules Test against Ireland.
The club was happy for Naitanui to play in the one off Test at Patersons Stadium but the Eagles coach admits he is crossing his fingers his star ruckman gets through the game unscathed.
The 2012 All Australian revealed last week he had considered discussions with Simpson before deciding to play.
Simpson said he was confident Naitanui would get through without trouble but he admitted he was nervous.
The entire Eagles squad returned to training on Monday with the majority of the players running a 2km time trial.
Midfielders Chris Masten and Andrew Gaff dominated with Masten stopping the clock at 6min.
Ruckman Callum Sinclair returned in superb shape, running 6min 30sec.
Beau Waters, Scott Selwood, Brad Sheppard, Will Schofield, Luke Shuey, Eric Mackenzie, Sharrod Wellingham and Brant Colledge were on individually tailored running programs on Monday but all seemed in good shape despite many being managed following injuries and surgeries last season.
Jeremy McGovern did not run on Monday but Simpson said he was fine.
Murray Newman rolled an ankle last Friday and will miss a couple of weeks but Simpson said it wasnt serious.
Simpson said he was also impressed with the physical progress of his new rookies, former baseballer Corey Adamson and Irishman Paddy Brophy.
i reckon they would have had to push the eagles hard to make sure nic nat was available for the IRS
So much to lose for them. glad to see waters and selwood back on track for xv;s
A preseason update on how Waters,Rosa and a few more are tracking
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/2014-11-19/preseason-medical-update-191114
Didnt realise you guys had so many on the injured list. Some names in that lot. :-\
A bit of a setback for Yeo and the broken hand.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-11-20/yeo-blow
Quote from: Grazz on November 20, 2014, 03:22:16 PM
A bit of a setback for Yeo and the broken hand.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-11-20/yeo-blow
S'all good, just run son :p
No... Our gun mid gone!!! Least he can run and just do ball work by Feb or something
Yeh being his hand it's not gunna retard his fitness work which is a good thing. Hope thats the 1st and last setback for any of your guys coming back from op's etc.
Hey Eagles fans!
Was after your evaluation of Malcolm Karpany. I think I remember previously reading that he spent most of the year in the WAFL reserves and wasn't progressing up the ranks that much but because Inside Footy Player Ratings is down again I can't verify.
General thoughts on Karpany?
Our storeman went to a Melbourne Cup Luncheon and was sitting next to one of the part time selectors at West Coast...a few of the things he said.
- Gaff and Wellingham and a few others have all bulked up in the midfield
- Masten is the fittest guy down at the club currently
- Priddis likely to get Captaincy he reckons
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/2014-11-25/preseason-update-251114
A little bit of an update on Lecca :-*
Some more pics of the boys training
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2014-11-24/back-to-work
Quote from: LF on November 25, 2014, 09:03:48 PM
Some more pics of LeCra. training
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2014-11-24/back-to-work
:P
Quote from: LF on November 17, 2014, 09:09:49 PM
Ruckman Callum Sinclair returned in superb shape, running 6min 30sec.
AS EXPECTED #gun
Quote from: Rusty00 on November 20, 2014, 04:38:07 PM
Hey Eagles fans!
Was after your evaluation of Malcolm Karpany. I think I remember previously reading that he spent most of the year in the WAFL reserves and wasn't progressing up the ranks that much but because Inside Footy Player Ratings is down again I can't verify.
General thoughts on Karpany?
Struggles big time. Wont get a look in next season at all. Will be lucky not to be delisted at the end of the year at his curent rate..
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-12-01/schools-in-for-draftees
New draftees hit the training track today.
We also have a couple of AIS scholarship holders Greg Clark (Subiaco) and Kade Stewart (South Fremantle) who will spend a week at the club.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2014-12-01/draftees-suit-up
Photos of the new recruits
Excited about Lamb LF?
Quote from: SydneyRox on December 01, 2014, 04:41:10 PM
Excited about Lamb LF?
Not too sure about LF, but Sam Kekovich is over the moon
I watched him in a couple of games, they must have been his good ones, but he was a jet!
I'm personally stoked, kid could be anything and has already made an impact from all reports.
Also absolutely buzzing to see Dom Sheed! Looking huuuge!
Looks like we've recruited decent for the first time in years! Cant wait to see what the freshies do in the nab!
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-12-05/draftees-train
The West Coast Eagles newest additions completed their first week of training today under more than just the watchful eye of the clubs coaching staff.
Not only were those players who were drafted just a week ago put through a series of searching drills by Adam Simpson and his coaching staff, but the youngsters families were also boundary side to catch the action.
As part of the clubs induction process, the families of draftees are brought across for a weekend induction program that will culminate with those draftees who have come from interstate moving in with a host family.
In that caring environment, their home away from home, the players will attempt to make the football and life adjustments of playing elite football.
Since last Thursday night from the Gold Coast Convention Centre when Liam Duggan, Tom Lamb, Jackson Nelson and Damien Cavka enjoyed the excitement of being drafted into the West Coast Eagles family, it has been a whirlwind.
They arrived in Perth on Sunday night, trained on Monday, have bunked in with selected members of the senior leadership group and have had a brief indoctrination into the West Coast way.
Last night their parents and siblings arrived in Perth. Today they trained, went through the process of education on the expectations of elite players and will spend a weekend learning more about the club and its values.
At training this morning, the entire squad was put through a rigorous training regime and the youngsters seemed to relish the opportunity to train with their established peers.
Aside from the four draftees, rookie listed former Carlton midfielder Kane Lucas, Irish rookie Paddy Brophy, former baseballer Corey Adamson and father son selection Alec Waterman will also be central to the weekend induction process.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2014-12-05/training-update-dec-5
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-12-10/nasty-break-for-big-eagle?utm_medium=RSS
WEST Coast big man Callum Sinclair will have surgery on his finger after suffering a compound fracture at training on Wednesday.
It is an unfortunate injury for the mature-age ruckman who had been very impressive during the early part of pre-season having been upgraded from the rookie list.
Following the procedure, Sinclair is expected to be back running again during the Christmas break and should return to skills work in the second week of training in January.
Sinclair's misfortune comes hot on the heels of Scott Selwood suffering a setback with his troublesome ankle after he was sent in for further surgery last week.
Selwood, who was named alongside Josh Kennedy as co vice-captains for 2015 under new Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn, required a further cleanout on his right ankle.
The 24-year-old first injured his ankle in round three last season against St Kilda and battled on bravely until he finally had surgery following the round 12 loss to Hawthorn.
The 2012 best and fairest returned to play the last game of the season in round 23 and had been participating in the early part of pre-season training before this latest setback.
AFL.com.au understands that Selwood has progressed well from the follow-up procedure and is expected to begin running during the Christmas break.
Selwood is scheduled to build his running base through January for a return to full training in February and it is expected that he will be available for some of the NAB Challenge matches.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2014-12-10/hump-day-hitout
Some pics from training
Boys have certainly hit the gym in the offseason http://www.aflphotos.com.au/galleries/results/?q=collection:AFL%202014%20Training%20-%20West%20Coast%20121214&image_id=355729
I laughed a little at this
http://www.watoday.com.au/afl/west-coast-eagles/eagles-use-body-double-to-cover-callum-sinclair-in-team-photo-20141211-124vlo.html
The West Coast Eagles have taken the unusual step of using a body double in their traditional pre season team photo to fill in for an injured player.
Radio 6PR s Rumour File was sent a snapshot of the team photo session showing an unfamiliar face standing to the right of Eagles defender Mitch Brown.
Haha, that's great. Cal has 10cm on the dude they used, that should be interesting for when they photoshop him in.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-12-15/schofield-adds-size
West Coast defender Will Schofield has used the first few weeks of preseason to bulk up in preparation for the teams 2015 campaign.
With coach Adam Simpson encouraging a number of players to increase their size, Schofield has added four kilos to his frame to better battle some of his bigger competitors.
A bit more to add to last story
Beau Waters training well, a wildcard for finals surge
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/will-schofield-beau-waters-training-well-a-wildcard-for-finals-surge/story-fnhocxo3-1227155918619
Waters, 28, is bravely attempting again to rebuild his injury ravaged career on the back of reconstructive surgery to his right shoulder after playing just seven games last year and then missing the entire 2014 season.
He is back into all ball drills and running training with expectations that the 2006 premiership back liner and 2012 all Australian half back to take on tackling and bumping immediately into the New Year.
Quote from: LF on December 15, 2014, 03:33:09 PM
A bit more to add to last story
Beau Waters training well, a wildcard for finals surge
http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/will-schofield-beau-waters-training-well-a-wildcard-for-finals-surge/story-fnhocxo3-1227155918619
Waters, 28, is bravely attempting again to rebuild his injury ravaged career on the back of reconstructive surgery to his right shoulder after playing just seven games last year and then missing the entire 2014 season.
He is back into all ball drills and running training with expectations that the 2006 premiership back liner and 2012 all Australian half back to take on tackling and bumping immediately into the New Year.
The guy does not need tackling and bumping training! Please just let him off these training sessions, he is bound to do his shoulder again. :(
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-01-05/big-macs-return-boosts-eagles
WEST Coast's players received a timely boost as they sweltered through oppressive conditions on Monday, with reigning club champion Eric Mackenzie joining his teammates in the main squad for the first time this pre-season.
Mackenzie emerged unscathed through the testing 90-minute session at McGillvray Oval, in a positive sign following post-season hip surgery.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Sharrod Wellingham (knee) is expected to be back in full training this week and tough defender Beau Waters is continuing his progress from multiple shoulder setbacks
Although the Eagles injury list is beginning to dwindle, a host of key players remain on modified programs.
Callum Sinclair (broken finger) Elliot Yeo (hand) and Jeremy McGovern (hip) continued their recovery programs, while Scott Selwood (foot) and Jack Darling (foot) only walked laps.
Some pics from training
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2015-01-07/summer-session
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-08/in-the-deep-end
For the second time this pre-season, the West Coast Eagles have hosted three AIS-AFL Academy players at the footy club.
EFs Jordan Snadden, Callum Ah Chee from South Fremantle and the Swan Districts own Yestin Eades have all been given the opportunity to train with the Eagles during their first week back on the track following the break.
Pics from training 9/1
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2015-01-09/sharpening-skills
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-09/tunbridge-turns-it-up
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-12/caution-for-winged-eagles
JACK Darlings availability for the NAB Challenge and round one will be determined over the next couple of weeks as West Coast's power forward continues to recover from a foot injury.
Darling suffered a stress fracture in his foot in round 23 last year and the injury continues to plague his preseason. He spent six weeks in a moon boot before Christmas and was only walking laps at training on Monday.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson said the club was waiting until the next scan on Darlings foot to determine how the 22-year-old would progress, ahead of the Eagles' first NAB Challenge fixture against Carlton on February 27.
Vice-captain Scott Selwood also joined Darling on the sidelines at training on Monday. The 2012 best and fairest had follow-up surgery on his ankle in early December and he is being eased back into a running program over the next week.
Xavier Ellis (AC joint), Jeremy McGovern (hip), Callum Sinclair (finger) and Elliot Yeo (hand) also didn't train on Monday.
Simpson said he expected everyone in his squad to be available for at least one game in the NAB Challenge although he cautioned that the next few weeks were vital for those going through long-term rehabs.
Veteran defender Beau Waters is another unknown. The 2012 All Australian has not played since July 2013 due to multiple shoulder surgeries.
He has completed all of the pre-season training to date although the Eagles are still yet to test him out with full contact work.
Simpson said the tough defender did not have to prove himself in any way, although he was still unsure how Waters shoulder would stand up to physical contact.
I dont need to see him go full contact Simpson said.
We have pulled him out of the right drills at the right time and we will put him in those drills as late as we can.
I dont think he needs to prove himself with how he attacks the ball or the player with the ball, so I want to give him every chance to play.
We will not know until the real heat of the battle. I think we are going to wait a few weeks before we test it out.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-13/first-years-on-fire
West Coast coach Adam Simpson says the clubs latest crop of draftees are showing signs they could be ready for senior football in 2015.
The Eagles added Liam Duggan, Tom Lamb, Jackson Nelson, Damien Cavka and Alec Waterman through the national draft late last year and all five have slotted seamlessly into training at the elite level.
While Simpson was quick to point out there was a lot of work to do before they could think about playing at AFL level, the second year coach was optimistic about the newest batch of Eagles.
I am happy with all the guys we have drafted to be honest he said.
I think they have all got the ability to play senior football this year, which is really pleasing.
I think you can tell a lot in the first few weeks about how they go about it and their maturity, and I am pleased with all of them
While confident they have the ability to push for senior selection, Simpson says the club would not sacrifice long term development for short term gain with the group.
We will not play them if they are not ready Simpson said.
What I am seeing is the ability to handle situations already that perhaps a first year player does not normally handle.
But it is longer term approach, so I will not be throwing them in the deep end.
But at the same time if they are ready to play we will play them.
Now in his second year at the helm of the Eagles, Simpson says the whole squad was training really well and was adjusting to the slight tweaks in the game plan as well as changing trends in the game itself.
Unlike last year, there will not be major changes to the Eagles style of play in 2015, and Simpson said the aim is to get the basics right in order to push towards a finals berth this season
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-19/hbf-health-eagles-return
WEST COAST duo Callum Sinclair and Elliot Yeo made successful returns to training on Monday following significant hand injuries.
Sinclair suffered a compound dislocation of his finger before Christmas while Yeo had reinjured the thumb he broke in round 13 against Gold Coast last season.
Both players participated fully in the lengthy match simulation session at Patersons Stadium.
More than half of the squad were involved in the full ground session and AFL umpire Luke Farmer officiated proceedings in conjunction with Simpson's instructions.
There was an injury scare for defender Will Schofield when he appeared to tweak his right ankle when tackled from behind. He left the track immediately after the incident but the injury is understood to be minor.
Injured trio Jack Darling (foot), Scott Selwood (ankle) and Mark Hutchings (groin) appeared briefly at the start of the two-and-a-half-hour session to participate in handball drills before heading back to the rooms.
Jeremy McGovern (hip), Xavier Ellis (AC joint), Murray Newman (knee) and Jamie Bennell (hamstring) all participated in running away from the main group before joining draftees Damien Cavka and Jackson Nelson in some ball movement drills at the end of training.
Cavka, Nelson, Tom Lamb and Alec Waterman were on lighter duties.
Quote from: LF on January 20, 2015, 07:39:24 PM
Jeremy McGovern (hip), Xavier Ellis (AC joint), Murray Newman (knee) and Jamie Bennell (hamstring) all participated in running away from the main group before joining draftees Damien Cavka and Jackson Nelson in some ball movement drills at the end of training.
I'm just picturing like 20-30 Eagles players chasing 4 injured guys across an oval hahaha
Quote from: GoLions on January 20, 2015, 07:41:19 PM
Quote from: LF on January 20, 2015, 07:39:24 PM
Jeremy McGovern (hip), Xavier Ellis (AC joint), Murray Newman (knee) and Jamie Bennell (hamstring) all participated in running away from the main group before joining draftees Damien Cavka and Jackson Nelson in some ball movement drills at the end of training.
I'm just picturing like 20-30 Eagles players chasing 4 injured guys across an oval hahaha
haha you would think that :P
But it does read that way
Quote from: LF on January 20, 2015, 07:42:31 PM
Quote from: GoLions on January 20, 2015, 07:41:19 PM
Quote from: LF on January 20, 2015, 07:39:24 PM
Jeremy McGovern (hip), Xavier Ellis (AC joint), Murray Newman (knee) and Jamie Bennell (hamstring) all participated in running away from the main group before joining draftees Damien Cavka and Jackson Nelson in some ball movement drills at the end of training.
I'm just picturing like 20-30 Eagles players chasing 4 injured guys across an oval hahaha
haha you would think that :P
But it does read that way
Cue the Benny Hill music ;D
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-21/injured-eagles-fly-back
The good news continues at West Coast with physiotherapist Paul Tucker reporting some positive progress made by injured players in recent days.
After suffering a stress fracture in his foot at the end of the season, Jack Darling spent six weeks in a moon boot before Christmas and has been unable to join the main training group so far this pre-season.
However, scans late last week have shown the power forward is now on the right track with his rehabilitation.
Several players returned to training this week, including draftee Tom Lamb, who was sidelined with an iliotibial band problem, Callum Sinclair (finger), Elliot Yeo (hand) and Damien Cavka, who underwent minor knee surgery before Christmas.
Tucker said he was pleased with the recent progress made and expects more players to return in the coming weeks, including Murray Newman (knee) and Xavier Ellis (AC joint).
Good news there. Hopefully full team available for selection come round 1!
NicNat having his best preseason yet
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/west-coast-ruckman-nic-naitanui-has-point-to-prove-after-best-preseason-yet/story-fni5faul-1227193381671
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-21/intensity-building
The West Coast Eagles continued their summer charge today with a high-intensity skills session at Paterons Stadium.
Joining the boys at training were former coach John Worsfold and 2006 premiership hero Quinten Lynch, who both attended the session with their children.
After getting through the standard warm up requirements, the players were split into groups and put through a series of high-intensity drills, with the workload evident at the end of each stanza.
The conditioning staff didn’t let up, sending the boys into full length drills focusing on moving the ball from end to end.
Ball movement has been high on coach Adam Simpson’s agenda since coming across from Hawthorn, and it’s clear it remains a focus for the Eagles in 2015.
Elliot Yeo, Callum Sinclair, Damien Cavka and Tom Lamb, who are all in their first week back at training after stints out through injury, all moved well and showed they’ve well and truly put their body troubles behind them.
The boys then put in a strong weights session in the afternoon, many considerably stronger than this time last year.
The appetite for hard work is clear within the walls at Eagles headquarters as they build towards season 2015.
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on January 22, 2015, 04:41:41 PM
NicNat having his best preseason yet
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/west-coast-ruckman-nic-naitanui-has-point-to-prove-after-best-preseason-yet/story-fni5faul-1227193381671
Yeah he has been going extremely well,I expect him to be really good this year for us.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-27/eagles-to-face-all-stars
THE AFL Indigenous All Stars will face West Coast in a pre-season match at Medibank Stadium in Perth on February 20.
The match is scheduled just six days before the NAB Challenge gets underway and seven days before West Coast's match against Carlton at Rushton Park in Mandurah.
The fixture has been held every second year since 2003.
It will be the first time the AFL Indigenous All Stars face the Eagles and it is also the first time the match will be played in Western Australia.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2015-01-26/australia-day-assault
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-26/business-as-usual
A public holiday for most Aussies, but on Australia Day it was business as usual for the West Coast Eagles playing squad.
In perfect conditions at Patersons Stadium, the players endured a thorough examination of their skills and capacity in the heat and were, in the main, impressive.
As training ramps up at this time of the year, with the players casting forward to the practice match schedule, the intensity and atmosphere generally starts to rise. These blokes have been putting in the hard yards for a couple of months now, but it’s all about getting ready to play.
That carrot is moving more sharply into focus with every passing session and there seems a more definitive purpose to the summer slog.
For the players on the fringe of senior selection, it’s about creating early opportunities and then making an impression in the practice games to ensure they are in the thick of the selection process for round one.
The senior players, who have been semi-regulars in the last season or two, will be determined that they are not the individual who misses a place in the team for that emerging talent. So it gets competitive.
Training today was punctuated by some impressive ball movement and generally the squad looks sharp.
It was heartening to see Jack Darling, Scott Selwood and Mark Hutchings on the track, albeit focusing on some specific rehabilitation work away from the main group.
Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, wingman Matt Rosa and midfielders Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff led the way on the track, while big men Nic Naitanui, Scott Lycett and Cal Sinclair were also impressive, along with Josh Kennedy, Shannon Hurn and Mark LeCras.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-01-28/eagles-defy-heat
The Perth heat, so often a factor in pre-season training for the West Coast Eagles, was present again today as the players embarked on a gruelling hit-out ahead of a prescribed four-day break.
It can be difficult to concentrate in such energy sapping conditions, but the Eagles today completed an impressive session.
Comfort levels were tested as the squad endured a series of drills mixed in with match simulation, with the advent of pre-season games, just three weeks away when West Coast plays the Indigenous All Stars at Leederville Oval.
With matches now within sight, there is a sense of anticipation and it was evident in training today that arousal levels were high.
With the temperature reaching the high 30s - it was probably hotter in the middle of Patersons Stadium - the players did not allow the oppressive conditions to stymie their enthusiasm.
In an impressive hit out, some of the young players to shine included Jackson Nelson, Tom Lamb and Dom Sheed while Pat McGinnity was under notice, particularly in the match simulation, while Sharrod Wellingham was in eye-catching touch.
Key forward Josh Kennedy continues to enjoy a terrific pre-season while Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis and Chris Masten always enjoy the pre-season loads.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-02/seeing-the-light
After a mini pre-season break, it was a case of re-igniting the flame for the final phase of the pre-season program.
With the game against the Indigenous All-Stars only a little more than a fortnight away (February 20), the players can now see the light at the end of the long training tunnel and they’re getting excited.
That much was evident after freshening up with their four-day break before resuming at Patersons Stadium today.
Training was slick and the boys enjoyed being back on track.
While Scott Selwood, Mark Hutchings and Jack Darling continue to work away, edging ever closer to joining the main group, the rest of their teammates look sharp, with the ball movement being precise and the output strong from start to finish.
Elliot Yeo, Beau Waters and Sharrod Wellingham, who have been “managed†through the program all looked to be in good touch and will be itching to get early games in the NAB pre-season series.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/gallery/2015-02-02/back-on-deck
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-03/the-big-three
Dean Cox’s retirement at the end of last season has opened up new opportunities for West Coast’s rising ruck stocks.
Assistant coach Justin Longmuir told SportFM on Tuesday morning that he has been impressed with Nic Naitanui, Scott Lycett and Callum Sinclair so far this pre-season, reporting that the three big men have developed a healthy rivalry over the summer.
“It’s getting really competitive between those three at the moment,†Longmuir said.
“They’ve all got some outstanding qualities that they bring. Scotty Lycett has probably put on three or four more kilos and looks really strong.
“Nic has actually done some pre-season which is a real bonus because it’s probably the first decent chunk of pre-season I’ve seen since he got drafted.
“All three of them are looking really good. The match-sim type stuff we’re doing at the moment, they’re getting really competitive against each other and driving each other to a new level, so it’s really pleasing.â€
Longmuir has been impressed with the squad as a whole so far this pre-season, with many injured players returning from the sidelines after the Christmas break.
He said the past month has been a crucial part of the summer campaign and the players have made important progress in the lead up to the team's first pre-season match against the Indigenous All Stars.
“Since Christmas, it’s been a steady build,†Longmuir said.
“The first week after Christmas, you usually ease the players in, and by the fourth week, the end of January, you’re really pushing them to their limits and it’s a really high-risk period, we put them under a lot of fatigue.
“A lot of the match-sim stuff, 18 v 18 against each other, that game speed really kicks in and it’s the first time the players have been exposed to that sort of intensity since the end of last season, so it’s a really high-risk period.
“Fortunately, we’ve got through it unscathed and we’re starting to get a lot of numbers back on the track, so we’re really pleased with the way it’s progressing so far.â€
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-04/sprinkler-strategy
Usually pencilled in as a quieter day of the training week, Tuesday kicked off with a light skills workout on Patersons Stadium.
The training session lasted around 30 minutes, with the boys working on their touch, goal-kicking and familiarising themselves with the game plan.
While some big names like Jack Darling and Scott Selwood are still restricted to lighter duties, the overall list of players participating in full training for this time of year is promising.
To wrap up this morning’s hit-out, the boys tested out their skills against the sprinkler system on Kitchener Park, a ploy midfielder Matt Priddis believes will help the players improve their skills in wet weather conditions.
“So last year we were quite poor in the wet. We lost three games,†Priddis told Eagle Eye TV.
“We don’t get a lot of rain over here in WA, so we go up to Kitchener Park and get the sprinklers going and get an opportunity to handle some wet footies.â€
To finish off the day, strength coach Brendan Kennedy was given the chance to remind the squad of the importance of strength training in the gym.
“We touched on football and strength and the importance that upper body and lower body strength plays in football,†Kennedy said.
“We used a test to actually measure the players’ progress. The basic underlying thing is that players need strength to win contests and be more powerful.â€
Scooter putting off contract talks :-\
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-02-05/selwood-puts-off-contract-talks
Surely just until he gets his body right and strings a few good games together? Not much bargaining power going for him atm!
Quote from: elephants on February 06, 2015, 09:41:05 AM
Surely just until he gets his body right and strings a few good games together? Not much bargaining power going for him atm!
Nah he's definitely going home. 100% lock it in ;)
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-04/duo-back-on-track
WEST Coast received a boost in a lead-up to the NAB Challenge with key duo Scott Selwood and Jack Darling back running after long injury lay-offs.
Neither man participated in the main drills during the Eagles' open training session at Patersons Stadium on Wednesday, but Selwood ran well as he lifted the intensity following ankle surgery prior to Christmas.
The 2012 best and fairest winner appears likely to participate in the latter stages of the NAB Challenge.
Darling's workload was lighter than Selwood's. He did some light running and agility work with the key forward still working his way back from a stress fracture in his foot.
The Eagles open the pre-season with a fixture against the AFL Indigenous All-Stars at Medibank Stadium in Perth on Friday February 20.
They then host Carlton in their first NAB Challenge match at Rushton Park in Mandurah seven days later.
Ruckman Nic Naitanui was held out of the match simulation, but completed a testing running session instead.
Competition for the ruck roles at West Coast will be fierce following the retirement of Dean Cox. With Naitanui fit and firing, Scott Lycett and Callum Sinclair appear to be competing for the second ruck spot.
Lycett did the majority of the ruck work in the match simulation, but Sinclair looks in excellent shape and is also capable of filling a role up forward.
Quote from: elephants on February 06, 2015, 09:41:05 AM
Surely just until he gets his body right and strings a few good games together? Not much bargaining power going for him atm!
if I was an eagles supporter I would be worried.... will attract plenty of interest
Hope Scooter stays. With Nicnats first full preseason now, he should go close to club Champion this year.
Quote from: SydneyRox on February 06, 2015, 04:47:08 PM
Quote from: elephants on February 06, 2015, 09:41:05 AM
Surely just until he gets his body right and strings a few good games together? Not much bargaining power going for him atm!
if I was an eagles supporter I would be worried.... will attract plenty of interest
He would sure but I just cant see him leaving I don't think
Quote from: elephants on February 06, 2015, 09:15:03 PM
Quote from: SydneyRox on February 06, 2015, 04:47:08 PM
Quote from: elephants on February 06, 2015, 09:41:05 AM
Surely just until he gets his body right and strings a few good games together? Not much bargaining power going for him atm!
if I was an eagles supporter I would be worried.... will attract plenty of interest
He would sure but I just cant see him leaving I don't think
In all honesty, I love Scooter, but he prob would be one of our best bargaining chip to get a young Wes Aussie mid fielder back from Victoria. If he wants to go home, lets trade for some quality.
Quote from: jvalles69 on February 07, 2015, 02:30:06 PM
In all honesty, I love Scooter, but he prob would be one of our best bargaining chip to get a young Wes Aussie mid fielder back from Victoria. If he wants to go home, lets trade for some quality.
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on February 07, 2015, 02:36:58 PM
Quote from: jvalles69 on February 07, 2015, 02:30:06 PM
In all honesty, I love Scooter, but he prob would be one of our best bargaining chip to get a young Wes Aussie mid fielder back from Victoria. If he wants to go home, lets trade for some quality.
ok, throw a name or two up?
Quote from: SydneyRox on February 07, 2015, 02:39:35 PM
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on February 07, 2015, 02:36:58 PM
Quote from: jvalles69 on February 07, 2015, 02:30:06 PM
In all honesty, I love Scooter, but he prob would be one of our best bargaining chip to get a young Wes Aussie mid fielder back from Victoria. If he wants to go home, lets trade for some quality.
ok, throw a name or two up?
Reece Conca. :o
Quote from: Nige on February 07, 2015, 03:01:23 PM
Quote from: SydneyRox on February 07, 2015, 02:39:35 PM
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on February 07, 2015, 02:36:58 PM
Quote from: jvalles69 on February 07, 2015, 02:30:06 PM
In all honesty, I love Scooter, but he prob would be one of our best bargaining chip to get a young Wes Aussie mid fielder back from Victoria. If he wants to go home, lets trade for some quality.
ok, throw a name or two up?
Reece Conca. :o
not the hand be downs even there own team dont want.
:P
I'd be going after Conigs in a threeway with Geelong
Quote from: Ricochet on February 07, 2015, 06:05:03 PM
I'd be going after Conigs in a threeway with Geelong
Or Bennell, or Swallow :p
Matera would be nice too some way or another!
yeah, that is an issue GWS and GC have some great wa talent, but scooter if he moves will want to at least go home
Find the anti Sharrod Wellingham
speaking of...
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-02-09/forgotten-eagle-set-to-fire?utm_medium=RSS
Forgotten Eagle set to fire: Wellingham on track for midfield return
SHARROD Wellingham is fit, firing and set to show what he's capable of in 2015, according to West Coast midfield coach Brady Rawlings.
Wellingham is in the final year of a lucrative three-year contract after being traded to the Eagles from Collingwood for pick No. 18 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
His first two seasons at West Coast have been little short of disastrous. In 2013, he managed just 10 games due to severe ankle injuries, one of which was self-inflicted in a bizarre accident on a trampoline during the pre-season.
Key Eagles return to training track
In his second season at West Coast, under a different coach, Wellingham was dropped on three separate occasions due to poor form.
He suffered a season-ending knee injury in late July while playing in the WAFL.
Wellingham worked hard on his conditioning prior to Christmas, and Rawlings told AFL.com.au that the 26-year-old is ready to be a key component in the Eagles midfield in 2015.
"This pre-season we've been able to train him a bit more as a midfielder since the Christmas break and he's coming along well," Rawlings said.
"We all know his talent. He's quite fit at the moment. He's strong, he's clean inside the contest and uses the ball really well.
"In possession, we know what he's capable of. It's just finding that balance with the other side of his game as well.
"He's got a good attitude, and we're all looking forward to him playing games and showing us what he can do."
Rawlings expected the Eagles midfield to have a better run with injuries in 2015. Wellingham, Elliot Yeo and Matt Rosa are all in good shape after injury-plagued seasons last year.
The major concern is Scott Selwood, but the vice-captain has ramped up his training load in recent weeks as he continues to recover from his ankle surgery. Selwood is on track to play late in the NAB Challenge and is expected to be fit for round one.
Rawlings said he was excited about what young midfielder Liam Duggan could produce in his first year. The 18-year-old from the Western Jets was the Eagles' first-round pick in last year's national draft and appears set to be given an opportunity in the NAB Challenge.
"Liam has got a lot of talent so we think he's going to be a player," Rawlings said.
"Probably at this stage we're looking at an outside role for him. He's been quite impressive at training with his ball use. He's a classy left footer."
been any news on how Waters is going?
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on February 09, 2015, 10:26:01 PM
been any news on how Waters is going?
Fit and firing. Good to go
Quote from: Ricochet on February 07, 2015, 06:05:03 PM
I'd be going after Conigs in a threeway with Geelong
Someone like Mitch Duncan + pick for Scooter would be fair-ish, don't want to see him go though :'(
But if he does leave, I'd want him to go to Geelong to play with Joel.
Failing that, 3way with for someone like Jack Martin / O'Meara would be mignon. :)
Quote from: Phasir on February 10, 2015, 03:40:27 AM
Quote from: Ricochet on February 07, 2015, 06:05:03 PM
I'd be going after Conigs in a threeway with Geelong
Someone like Mitch Duncan + pick for Scooter would be fair-ish, don't want to see him go though :'(
But if he does leave, I'd want him to go to Geelong to play with Joel.
Failing that, 3way with for someone like Jack Martin / O'Meara would be mignon. :)
I cant see them offering us any more than just duncan by himself. He was taken pick 27 Selwood pick 20. Think it would be reasonably fair. Or maybe Duncan and like pick 50 or something.
Think the eagles will try and keep him but. They kept Adam his whole career. Wouldnt mind some of those GC boys coming back home but...
Omeara, martin, swallow, bennell cheers.
Talk of a setback for Waters... No real details yet
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-02-10/waters-shoulder-a-burden
He's still continuing to work through his issues with his shoulder," Simpson said.
"He's by no means clear sailing. At the moment we're still working through his body and what he can put out and as we increase training levels of intensity it's what he can manage."
Waters had been participating in training with the exception of full contact.
Simpson had previously stated that Waters did not need to prove himself in that regard â€" but that attitude has changed.
"We've exposed him to certain levels but not a match simulation element of contact," Simpson said.
"That's another box he's got to tick.
"We want to give him every chance to play senior football but we're not going to put his long-term body at risk.
"Being able to pick up his kids long-term and live a normal life after AFL … the way he plays he needs to be cherry ripe.
"We're aware of that and we'll manage him in the right way."
The Eagles coach could not put a timeframe on when Waters could play again.
"That's too far away," Simpson said.
"It's been a really slow progression. It's never going to be smooth sailing. There's always going to be ups and downs, so we haven't put a date on it."
Sounds more like he's just not progressing as quickly than an actual injury setback
Isn't Selwood an FA this year? Why would someone trade for him
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-10/selwoods-contract-no-issue
SCOTT Selwood's decision to put his contract negotiations on hold is not an issue for West Coast coach Adam Simpson.
The Eagles vice captain is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and following initial contract talks with the club, the 24-year-old elected to put negotiations on hold until after he has recovered from his ankle injury.
Simpson said on Tuesday that Selwood's contract situation was not a distraction.
"Not at all. We're comfortable with where we're at with that," Simpson said.
"He's an honest man and we believe the instructions he's given the club and we'll back him in to make the right decision. He's our vice captain and I'm not too concerned.
"My communication mainly with Scott is about getting him back to play. The rest of that stuff, his contract and those sorts of things, will take care of itself."
Selwood had follow-up surgery in early December to clean out some persistent issues with the ankle he initially injured in round three last season.
The 2012 best and fairest has been progressing his running loads over the past few weeks but has not yet done anything beyond straight line running.
Forward Jack Darling has begun higher intensity running but is being carefully monitored as he continues to recover from a stress fracture in his foot.
Simpson said both men would need everything to go right over the next month to play any part in the NAB Challenge or even round one.
"For them to play they'd have to have a perfect run at it," Simpson said.
"My experience tells me you always get a little hiccup here and there.
"They're going to give themselves every opportunity but it's not all about playing round one. It's just about getting them right.
"We've still got a bit of work to do before we see them train, let alone play."
In positive news for the club, Elliot Yeo is fully fit and will likely play against the Indigenous All Stars on February 20 at Medibank Stadium.
Yeo broke his hand in round 13 last season and only managed one more game in round 23. Before his injury Yeo moved into the midfield after playing most of the first half of the season at half-back.
"We exposed him in the midfield towards the mid-part of the season and we were really pleased with what he produced," Simpson said.
"He's another player we'll see through the midfield (this year).
"I'm quite excited about what we could produce with a full strength midfield.
"We think with some kids coming through and the more development we put into our group and what I'm trying to teach we'll continue to evolve."
I fear this could be the end for Beau.
If he cannot get up to play he will be forced to retire sooner rather than later I reckon :(
Yeo in for Waters?
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on February 09, 2015, 10:27:03 PM
Quote from: kilbluff1985 on February 09, 2015, 10:26:01 PM
been any news on how Waters is going?
Fit and firing. Good to go
Beau popped his shoulder in a non contact drill, worrying for sure.
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/video/watch/26257610/nic-naitanui-never-fitter-or-stronger/
(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11113/111136241/3535244-3698199660-34633.gif)
Quote from: DALBS on February 11, 2015, 12:45:14 PM
https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/video/watch/26257610/nic-naitanui-never-fitter-or-stronger/
(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11113/111136241/3535244-3698199660-34633.gif)
Lock him in! fantasy, rdt, supercoach,
Potentially massive news here. :o
Lachy Reid â€@Lachy_Reid 28m28 minutes ago
I'm told @WestCoastEagles defender Beau Waters is considering retirement - announcement by weeks end.
No :'(
Quote from: LF on February 10, 2015, 05:01:51 PM
I fear this could be the end for Beau.
If he cannot get up to play he will be forced to retire sooner rather than later I reckon :(
Quote from: Nige on February 17, 2015, 09:21:04 PM
Potentially massive news here. :o
Lachy Reid â€@Lachy_Reid 28m28 minutes ago
I'm told @WestCoastEagles defender Beau Waters is considering retirement - announcement by weeks end.
:'(
I have no words
Sounds like he'll announce his retirement tomorrow.
Yep, hearing that too. I can't believe it. :(
Think we need to put LF on suicide watch.
Too much of a hardnut for his own good unfortunately.
I'll never forget when he came back from a knee arthroscope after a week.
An extra spot for Sinkers to grab? :3
Good riddance tho, one of the biggest snipers in the league. Why his shoulder is always bust, too much contact into other players' jaws.
10, 0, 19, 19, 8, 0, 21, 8, 19, 7, 0 games per season is a tragedy though
Quote from: nrich102 on February 18, 2015, 08:56:07 PM
Think we need to put LF on suicide watch.
Probably not the greatest think to joke about. :-X
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-18/hbf-health-darling-hasnt-trained
JACK Darling "hasn't trained for one minute" of the pre-season and is likely to miss West Coast's season opener against the Western Bulldogs, coach Adam Simpson has conceded.
The 22-year-old has endured a nightmare pre-season due to a foot stress fracture he suffered in round 23 last year.
Darling has progressed to some straight-line running in recent weeks after spending the off-season in a moon boot, but he has still not trained with the main group all summer.
He is all but certain to miss the entire NAB Challenge and Simpson told AFL.com.au that Darling probably wouldn't make round one.
"He hasn't trained for one minute," Simpson said.
"So he hasn't really kicked a ball since round 23 last year. He's having a massively interrupted pre-season.
"He hasn't missed a game really since his debut. It's the unknown.
"He's one of those guys who's got that body, he's an Adonis. I don't know how long it takes him once he's up and running to get his feel and his touch and game sense. That's an unknown.
"I think we're lucky in the sense that his skinfolds are 35. He's an elite athlete. But he just hasn't had a run at it."
Darling has played 90 out of a possible 93 matches since making his debut in round one, 2011, kicked 158 goals and averaging 3.3 tackles per game. His value is remarkably undersold, given he has finished top-five in the Eagles' best and fairest each of the past three years.
Simpson knows he has a tough task replacing him early on.
"He's a utility, he can play as a key forward and he's one of the best pressure players in the competition," Simpson said.
"I don't think we can replace that type of player, but we can have a look at other avenues forward of play. What does Sharrod Wellingham bring to us this year? Can he play a role, albeit different, but that type of role that might be available?
"Does Josh Hill step up, does Simon Tunbridge take the next step?
"Do we play another tall? So we've got options and we'll trial all those options in the NAB Challenge."
Simpson is excited about what Wellingham could achieve this year. Despite being a premiership player with Collingwood in 2010, Wellingham has underachieved during his first two seasons at the Eagles due to injuries and poor form. But the coach is seeing signs of progress.
"Getting the best out of him has been my ambition since I got here," Simpson said.
"I think this pre-season he's taken some giant steps forward with his work off the ball. We put a lot of time into it. The best thing he's done, though, is he's been so enthusiastic to give himself every opportunity.
"Since Christmas he has done everything he possibly can to play well and that's all we can ask. Hopefully he gets rewarded.
"We need to keep adding some spark in our midfield when we can and he's one of those guys who, when he's up and about, is very hard to stop.
"So we'll give him every opportunity both in the midfield and forward."
The Eagles also have some injury concerns in the midfield with Scott Selwood and Mark Hutchings both battling to be fit for round one.
Selwood is progressing well from his ankle surgery but Hutchings' recovery from a groin issue is not going quite as well.
Simpson said he would be ecstatic if both men were available for round one but believes it less than likely that the pair will line up against the Dogs at Etihad Stadium.
Quote from: Nige on February 18, 2015, 10:59:28 PM
Quote from: nrich102 on February 18, 2015, 08:56:07 PM
Think we need to put LF on suicide watch.
Probably not the greatest think to joke about. :-X
Nige, I know you are a man who appreciates good grammar but I
think you're slipping a bit.
Quote from: Big Mac on February 19, 2015, 08:05:39 AM
Quote from: Nige on February 18, 2015, 10:59:28 PM
Quote from: nrich102 on February 18, 2015, 08:56:07 PM
Think we need to put LF on suicide watch.
Probably not the greatest think to joke about. :-X
Nige, I know you are a man who appreciates good grammar but I think you're slipping a bit.
You just had to quote and glorify it. :(
Quote from: Bane on February 18, 2015, 10:09:09 PM
An extra spot for Sinkers to grab? :3
Good riddance tho, one of the biggest snipers in the league. Why his shoulder is always bust, too much contact into other players' jaws.
10, 0, 19, 19, 8, 0, 21, 8, 19, 7, 0 games per season is a tragedy though
Bane pleaseeeeeeeeeeee. Snipper is a Ryan Crowley,or Scott Thompson (roos). Beau was clean. Just hit hard!
(http://www.desibucket.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Why-Are-You-Sad001.jpg)
Beau Waters has retired.
:-[
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-21/mcgovern-the-man-moving-forward
JEREMY McGovern appears the likely short-term replacement for Jack Darling after a solid showing up forward during West Coast's eight-point win over the AFL Indigenous All Stars in an exhibition match in Perth on Friday night.
MATCH REPORT: Eagles edge out All Stars
McGovern kicked the Eagles' opening goal of the match, a 55-metre bomb from a set shot. He also provided a powerful aerial presence with both Brad Sheppard and Andrew Gaff crumbing goals from packs that McGovern competed in.
The 22-year-old was used as a swingman during his debut season.
But with Darling unlikely to play in round one as he continues his rehabilitation from a stress fracture in his foot, Simpson said McGovern would likely stay up forward.
PHOTO GALLERY: All the best snaps from the clash with the Indigenous All Stars
"We are going to look at it," Simpson said.
"It depends who we play as well. We've got a pretty tall backline. We think some of our talls can play small.
"‘Gov’ may need to have a presence up forward. He's a natural player. Wherever you put him, he's going to have an impact.
"We saw some good signs tonight, but also he looked a bit rusty."
Simpson stressed that he wouldn't read too much into the performance of his team on Friday night.
He was excited by the performance of some of his young players, including Tom Lamb.
The blonde forward was taken with pick No.32 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. He has a Dyson Heppell-like hairstyle, idolizes Nick Riewoldt, and spent his first week at the club shadowing Josh Kennedy.
Lamb came on in the last quarter on Friday night and kicked a clutch goal from a tight angle to seal the win.
"I think Lamb is going to stand out because of what he looks like," Simpson said.
"But he's exciting. He's got plenty of energy and he gets rewarded, he gets the ball. He's still got a little bit to work on but it's just an opportunity for the kids to play in front of good crowd in an enthusiastic game. It was really pleasing."
Sharrod Wellingham was also impressive coming off a good pre-season but Simpson said he expected the ex-Magpie to perform.
"We see him as a quality player and he's in our best 18 so we expect him to play well every week and (it was) a good first step today," Simpson said.
The coach said he would likely bring back his senior players next week for the Eagles’ first NAB Challenge clash against Carlton.
Shannon Hurn, Matt Priddis, Eric Mackenzie, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras, Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Xavier Ellis and Matt Rosa were all rested against the All Stars but all appear set to play most of the NAB Challenge.
"We've got three games, with a healthy break between each game," Simpson said.
"Last year we rested a lot of our guys for the second game (of the NAB Challenge).
"We will probably play a stronger squad most weeks to get the continuity.
There's plenty of rest between. I don't want to rest senior players and have a 20-day break between games."
Yeah Lamb was good and very noticable, one of the better players.
Lycett was awful I found, dropped about 5 marks in a 10 minute stretch which just got funnier and funnier and never really got going, my boy Sinkers was much better, he should definitely be the one to start alongside Nic!
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-26/naitanui-not-far-off
NIC NAITANUI has been held out of Friday night's NAB Challenge due to back soreness, but the West Coast hierarchy believe the injury is only minor.
Naitanui was not named in the Eagles’ squad to face Carlton on Wednesday and the star ruckman was restricted to light duties at training on Thursday.
A fortnight ago Naitanui said he was keen to play as many games as possible in the pre-season after enjoying one of his best summers in recent years.
He was in-line to face the Indigenous All Stars last Friday night but did not play, and Eagles assistant coach Don Pyke said the decision to rest Naitanui again this week was precautionary.
"He's a bit stiff in the back," Pyke said.
"He's such a valuable player to us. We're five weeks out from the season. We're hopeful it's a minor setback and he'll be fine for the next game. It's precaution more than anything.
"He was a little bit disappointed when he found out he wasn't going to be playing because he's done a lot of work this pre-season and is in really good shape."
Pyke said Naitanui would have been borderline to play if it was round one this week, but the Eagles have a no-risk policy for the NAB Challenge.
Scott Selwood has returned to full training after his ankle surgery in December and is on track to play later in the NAB Challenge.
Jack Darling remains a concern for West Coast. The 22-year-old was not sighted at training on Monday or Thursday.
Senior coach Adam Simpson effectively ruled him out of the entire NAB Challenge and round one last week, and it is possible Darling could miss a number of games early in the home-and-away season as he continues his battle with a stress injury in his foot.
"He's been slower than we probably hoped," Pyke said.
"But he's making progress. From what I've heard, he's likely to not be available early in the season, but we'll take it from there."
New draftees Tom Lamb and Jackson Nelson will get another chance to impress after both played cameo roles in last Friday night's win over the Indigenous All Stars.
The Eagles first-round draft pick Liam Duggan has suffered a minor ankle injury but he is working his way back to full fitness via a tailored running program.
Friday night's clash against Carlton at Rushton Park in Mandurah is a sell-out.
http://m.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-02-28/acl-for-ezy
Confirmed ACL for Eric :'(
So damn shower really feel for him
Sooo... 2016 will be fun.
:'(
Really feel for the bloke. Absolute gun defender, lots of pressure on Mitch Brown now.
No EMac, No Waters and No Glass.
I had such high hopes for 2015
Mitch Brown, Will Schofield and McGovern are going to have to be huge for us this year, and it's understandable if they cant.
:'(
Yeah could potentially be a fairly simple bottom 6 for Eagles this year
Bottom 6 is probably a bit rough. Reckon we'll slot into that 6-12 range, more likely 8-12 now :/
I'm grasping at straws here, but I think Yeo will slot into Waters half back roll (be pulling him out of my DT now co I think he'll get less mid time), Mitch Brown to try and fill Glass' role and McGovern take over from Emac? Or possibly switch McGovern and Yeo around, I think McGovern could play a real handy roaming half back.
Quote from: jvalles69 on February 28, 2015, 08:24:33 PM
I'm grasping at straws here, but I think Yeo will slot into Waters half back roll (be pulling him out of my DT now co I think he'll get less mid time), Mitch Brown to try and fill Glass' role and McGovern take over from Emac? Or possibly switch McGovern and Yeo around, I think McGovern could play a real handy roaming half back.
Sheppard looks like he might have Waters spot and he played very well last night,he needs to now backup in the rest of the games if he plays
Quote from: LF on February 28, 2015, 08:26:27 PM
Quote from: jvalles69 on February 28, 2015, 08:24:33 PM
I'm grasping at straws here, but I think Yeo will slot into Waters half back roll (be pulling him out of my DT now co I think he'll get less mid time), Mitch Brown to try and fill Glass' role and McGovern take over from Emac? Or possibly switch McGovern and Yeo around, I think McGovern could play a real handy roaming half back.
Sheppard looks like he might have Waters spot and he played very well last night,he needs to now backup in the rest of the games if he plays
Yeah I did actually notice him a bit in that game, his size might let him down though..
Yeah I think Shep and McGovern will need to be free down back, meaning Brown takes the number one ruck and Schofield is going to need to take the CHB
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on February 28, 2015, 08:54:06 PM
Yeah I think Shep and McGovern will need to be free down back, meaning Brown takes the number one ruck and Schofield is going to need to take the CHB
Don't forget about Ellis down there as well he was playing great until he was subbed out,not sure why he was subbed
Quote from: LF on February 28, 2015, 09:00:38 PM
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on February 28, 2015, 08:54:06 PM
Yeah I think Shep and McGovern will need to be free down back, meaning Brown takes the number one ruck and Schofield is going to need to take the CHB
Don't forget about Ellis down there as well he was playing great until he was subbed out,not sure why he was subbed
Yeah but he isn't going to replace EMac. I think Schofield, with McGovern being 3rd up is our best (and only) option
I guess we will see what Simpson goes with next couple of NAB matches now since he will probably need to do some shuffling around.
Shep definitely looked good, took some timely relieving marks. Hopefully he can keep it up. I think simmo will leave Yeo in the midfield, they really what him to become one of those modern day 6ft+ big bodied midfielders.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-02/hbf-health-sinclair-blow
Ruckman-forward Callum Sinclair will miss at least a month of football after scans revealed a fractured thumb sustained during the NAB Challenge match against Carlton at Rushton Park on Friday.
Sinclair, who has been jostling for a place with Scott Lycett as the support ruckman to All-Australian Nic Naitanui, has been in good form in the two pre-season hit-outs, but will need to work through his rehabilitation program in the hope of being available for round one.
The versatile big man, who has played nine senior games after being rookie listed in 2013 and then elevated 12 months later, will lose little of his conditioning, but will need to rest for a short period of time before resuming running.
Sinclair was sidelined earlier this pre-season with a compound dislocation of his finger, only returning to training in mid January.
If McGovern is down back, Darling out and Cox gone does that mean LeCras may become a leading forward target again rather than the crumbing forward he has been in a tall forward structure? Would put him back on my radar if that's the new structure.
RIP in peace to the king of ruckmen :'(
Quote from: Bane on March 03, 2015, 03:42:22 PM
RIP in peace to the king of ruckmen :'(
Hes done this on purpose, just so he can prove the medicos wrong and be 100% for round 1.
is Nic Nat expected to be right for round 1? he has back troubles last i heard i think
Yeah just taking a hella cautious approach with him
Just saw this :'(
3AW Sports Today @3AWSportsToday
Sam McClure updating us on Jack Darling. Possibility he may require surgery on his foot - best possible scenario: rd 4.. Worst - season.
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on March 04, 2015, 01:05:29 PM
Just saw this :'(
3AW Sports Today @3AWSportsToday
Sam McClure updating us on Jack Darling. Possibility he may require surgery on his foot - best possible scenario: rd 4.. Worst - season.
flower, just what KL Crocs needed :( first Libba and now Jack
Yup, hasn't done a minute of pre-season yet. Seriously seriously testing our depth, gonna be some young kids getting early games (thinking McInness, Tunbridge, Colledge, maaaaybe Lamb).
How is Scooter travelling? Would he be any good to pickup? What is his role looking like?
I reckon McInnes might get a go he played forward and rucked a bit in the indigenous match
Scooter might play last NAB match
Yeah now that I think back McInnes was pretty good against the all-stars, some potential there.
Actually have him on the Spetsnaz list but never really paid any attention to him.
Quote from: Barra13 on March 04, 2015, 01:18:08 PM
How is Scooter travelling? Would he be any good to pickup? What is his role looking like?
Very dodgy pre-season. If he had of had a better one I would've locked him in.
Thanks heaps for that ele. :/
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-06/preseason-for-nothing
ERIC Mackenzie will have a traditional knee reconstruction next week as he begins the long road to recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
West Coast's reigning best-and-fairest ruptured the ACL in his right knee during the Eagles' 31-point win over Carlton in the NAB Challenge last Friday night.
The 26-year-old had to wait a few days until the swelling subsided in his knee before he and the Eagles' medical staff could make a decision on what type of surgery to have.
"We're going with a traditional knee reconstruction," Mackenzie told the club's website.
"So traditionally it's a 12-month recovery from that.
"Having spoken to Lecca (Mark LeCras) and Brownie (Mitch Brown), who've both had the traditional knee, they've both come back with no problems.
"So I think that’s the way to go."
Mackenzie said he initially thought he had copped a knock to the knee, when in reality his knee had buckled without contact.
It wasn't until the physio started to test his knee that he feared the worst.
"Immediately I just thought it was a knock on the knee, a bit of soreness that would go away pretty quickly," Mackenzie said.
"I managed to get up, and I started jogging off towards the end of it so I thought I'd be right to come back on.
"It's only when the physio started doing the tests â€" I know what the ACL test is â€" they weren't happy with the results so they took me down to the rooms.
"I've just done this pre-season for nothing â€" it's going to be a long year ahead."
West Coast now faces the task of trying to replace its number one defender.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson told 5AA on Wednesday that Jeremy McGovern might need to play a fixed role in defence at various stages depending on the opponent.
"We're going to have to see how we manage the loss of Eric, and (McGovern) might be part of that," Simpson said.
"In the next two or three weeks I need to find out what is our best fit down back.
"He's definitely going to be part of that at stages. If we play teams with a forward line with some dangerous talls, no doubt he's going to have to help us down there.
"But I'd love to swing him forward, too, at some stage."
Mitch Brown seems the logical man to take on the role as the main key defender.
Greater responsibility may also fall on versatile defender Will Schofield, who can play on both talls and smalls.
The Eagles' injury toll is still a major worry.
Ruckman Callum Sinclair will miss a month after breaking his thumb against Carlton.
Nic Naitanui remains a concern after he was left out of West Coast's squad to face Port Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Sunday.
The star ruckman is battling a back issue and is yet to play in the pre-season but the club believes he should be available for the Eagles' final NAB Challenge match against Fremantle on March 22.
Jack Darling's progress from his foot injury remains slow. Simpson admitted on Wednesday that the Eagles were tentatively hoping for the dynamic forward to be ready by round five of the home and away season.
One positive is that vice-captain Scott Selwood appears set to be available for round one following ankle surgery last December, and he may even play against Fremantle in the last NAB Challenge game.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/west-coast-eagle-murray-newman-injures-hamstring-in-football-return-for-wafl-side-east-perth/story-fniv6fhh-1227252986016
MURRAY Newman’s turbulent career hit another speed bump on Saturday when he suffered a hamstring injury in his first game since being released from prison.
The talented West Coast forward was aiming to take the first step towards an AFL comeback with a strong performance for East Perth in the WAFL pre-season match against Claremont at Medibank Stadium.
Newman’s low-key return to football, after spending all of last season in jail, was over before half-time.
The 21-year-old grabbed at his left hamstring before kicking a set shot goal in the second quarter and eventually came from the field and did not return.
How do you guys rate Tom Lamb's JS? Do you think he can line up round 1?.
Im curious for supercoach.
It will be either Lamb or McInnes that lines up I reckon
Both have had great preseasons so far and it is very hard to split them.
McInnes can also pinch hit in the ruck,was our backup to Lycett today and has been on our list for awhile now and apparently has bulked up a bit.
Lamb looks ready to go as well.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-09/casualty-count-climbs
WEST Coast's second NAB Challenge outing has left coach Adam Simpson with more worries, with key players Sharrod Wellingham and Xavier Ellis injured in Sunday's loss to Port Adelaide at Norwood Oval.
The Eagles lost key defender Eric Mackenzie to a season-ending knee injury in the club's NAB Challenge opener against Carlton, but Simpson is hopeful neither of Sunday's injuries will prove as severe.
Ellis pulled up before taking an intercept mark on the wing in the second quarter and then refused to kick, instead handballing to a teammate.
The former Hawthorn player managed 17 games for the Eagles last year but has a history of hamstring issues and was restricted to just 16 games from 2011-2013.
He left the field immediately with his hands on his head and was seen limping, having donned the red vest, late in the game.
The news was better for Wellingham, who was also subbed out of the game early with a calf issue.
While the severity of Ellis' injury remained unknown, Simpson said Wellingham had only suffered a corked calf.
"Ellis clearly hurt himself but the rest of the guys are a precaution," Simpson said.
"[Wellingham had a] corkie â€" we've just got to look after these guys, there's no point taking them back on.
"It was more a precautionary look at it."
Mackenzie's value to the side was magnified this year given the retirement of veteran defender Darren Glass at the end of 2014.
But Mitchell Brown stood up in Mackenzie's absence against the Power, holding the dangerous Jay Schulz goalless.
Darling it seems won't be back until mid season at least. :'(
http://m.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-11/ellis-injury-only-minor
XAVIER Ellis' hamstring injury is only minor although the West Coast defender remains in doubt for the Eagles' final NAB Challenge clash against Fremantle on March 22.
Ellis injured his hamstring during the second term of the Eagles' loss to Port Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Sunday.
AFL.com.au understands it is only a very minor injury but there is no official timeframe on it.
It is the first time Ellis has had issue with his hamstrings, although he has previously experienced significant calf problems during his time at Hawthorn but those issues have been well managed since his arrival at the Eagles.
Ellis has been a very valuable acquisition to West Coast after leaving the Hawks via free agency at the end of the 2013 season. He played 17 games last year before his season ended in round 20 after suffering a shoulder injury.
West Coast will be hopeful that star ruckman Nic Naitanui can recover from the back tightness that has kept him out of the pre-season games so far.
Midfielder Scott Selwood remains on track for round one and will also push to play in the team's last NAB Challenge clash against Fremantle next Sunday.
Save yaself for round 1 Ellis! Already will be missing Maca, Darling and probably selwood the way hes travelling.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-14/selwoods-surprise-return
So I currently have Priddis in my team but after reading this I had a bit of a look at the stats
Rd1-12 + 23 Scooter and Priddis in the same team
Priddis ave - 106.2 Win/Loss 5/7
Rd 13-22 Only Priddis, average 120.7 Win/loss 6/4
Can we read much into this? 2011 and 2012 scooter played every game and Priddis averaged 114 and 110 but we did win 17 and 15 games respectively.
Interesting stats, but I wouldn't worry about Priddis. As consistent as they get, and his preseason form is showing that if anything, winning the Brownlow has made him lift again
Great POD
Looks like Scooter and Newman are fine after both played last night in the WAFL
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-03-14/selwoods-surprise-return
Waterman and Duggan played too
Simpson says if everything goes well Darling should be back between rd1-6
Cavka has a foot injury and will be out for 8-9 weeks :(
NicNat will play this week and then rd1 (Wont play in between)
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on March 17, 2015, 02:36:16 PM
Simpson says if everything goes well Darling should be back between rd1-6
Cavka has a foot injury and will be out for 8-9 weeks :(
NicNat will play this week and then rd1 (Wont play in between)
1-6 wow... Not much of an timeline for return Simpson ha.. Maybe say round 3/4 or something. 6 weeks if a fair amount. Makes it more suspicious that hes not traveling well..
Quote from: RaisyDaisy on March 17, 2015, 02:36:16 PM
Simpson says if everything goes well Darling should be back between rd1-6
Cavka has a foot injury and will be out for 8-9 weeks :(
NicNat will play this week and then rd1 (Wont play in between)
Damn Cavka was having a ripper preseason as well
Scooter will play this weekend as well.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-17/naitanui-returns
NIC NAITANUI will finally play his first game of 2015 against Fremantle on Sunday, and West Coast coach Adam Simpson said it will be the only match he plays ahead of round one.
The star ruckman has had a strong pre-season but hasn't featured in any of the Eagles' pre-season matches against the Indigenous All Stars, Carlton and Port Adelaide due to back-related tightness.
West Coast has the option to play some players in the WAFL on March 28 ahead of the round one clash with the Western Bulldogs on April 4, but Simpson said Sunday's NAB Challenge match will be Naitanui's only hit-out of the pre-season.
"You'll see him play (this week), definitely," Simpson said at the Eagles' season launch at Crown Perth on Tuesday morning
"I would've thought 70-80 minutes would be around about the time we're looking for. We'll manage that in a way that's different than we would in round one.
"He's probably a game off being absolutely cherry ripe. But we think a good hit-out this week, see how he pulls up, and get him for round one."
Scott Selwood will also return to the Eagles' side this week after playing 58 minutes for East Perth last Friday night.
"He pulled up well," Simpson said.
"The progression for him now is 80-90 minutes this week. We'll look at whether he needs to play WAFL again before round one."
The Eagles received some positive news about Jack Darling this week with the dynamic forward set to return to the training track after increasing his running loads but there is still no definitive date placed on his playing return.
"He's training now," Simpson said.
"He's just about to get into using the footy and training with the main group.
"When he gets his fitness up, and (if) progresses back to full strength, I'd say between rounds one and six if everything goes well."
The Eagles have suffered another foot stress injury with draftee Damien Cavka set to miss eight or nine weeks.
Cavka was in a moon boot at the season launch and Simpson said the club would be very cautious with the 18-year-old midfielder.
"We'll manage him in the right way," Simpson said.
"It's not about getting him back as soon as we possibly can, it's about getting 10 years out of him.
"He's probably a week or so in the boot, and then he'll start to transition back. So he might be an eight- or nine-week process."
The Eagles will train on Domain Stadium on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Fremantle on Sunday.
Simpson thought the surface was safe following the damage caused by the One Direction concert on February 20 but he wasn't certain about how it looks.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-23/scoot-feeels-great-to-be-back
Scott Selwood is feeling good about his body and is already looking forward to round one against the Bulldogs after making a successful return to the Eagles side yesterday.
Selwood pulled on an Eagles jumper for the first time in season 2015 after fighting his way back from ankle surgery late last year.
Selwood, who gathered 25 disposals, says it was good to get back out there.
“It was good to run out there with the boys again,†he said.
“It was a lot of fun, even though we lost, its NAB Challenge still though so no points on the board.
“I thought our intensity was really good, and it was mainly from the young guys which was great to see.
“If we can keep that intensity up for four quarters I think we’re going to go places.â€
Selwood was particularly impressed with the continued development of Eagles youngsters Tom Lamb and Dom Sheed, who again showed signs they’ll be players of the future.
“Tommy Lamb just keeps presenting and he’s filling the void of Jack (Darling) at the moment,†he said.
“Hopefully we get Jack back in soon enough time, but he’s doing a great job in there.
“He’s a bit of a spark and you love watching his big dreadlocks running around.
“Dom Sheed’s had a terrific summer, he’s worked really hard.
“He’s reaping the benefits now and I think we’re going to have an elite player in him hopefully.â€
He did look very good yesterday considering his limited preseason.
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-23/no-risks-as-eagles-eye-round-one
WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson is hopeful Mitch Brown and Will Schofield will be fit for round one as the Eagles desperately strive for a defensive structure that can cover the loss of reigning best and fairest Eric Mackenzie.
Brown (hamstring tightness) and Schofield (foot) both missed the Eagles' 19-point loss to Fremantle in the last NAB Challenge match at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
MATCH REPORT: Full wrap of Sunday's clash with Freo
Jeremy McGovern and Elliot Yeo were forced to play as key defenders as the Dockers scored 31 times from 45 inside 50 entries.
Simpson is hopeful Brown and Schofield will be available to face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, April 4.
"Those two guys we're hoping are available for round one, we really are," Simpson said.
"Both could've potentially got up this week but we just can't risk it.
"So we may have to play them in the WAFL. We'll see how we go."
The Eagles' affiliate WAFL club East Perth has a fixture next Saturday for the pair to play in if necessary.
Simpson also has to find some solutions in the forward half with key forward Jack Darling still recovering from his foot stress fracture.
The Eagles are hopeful Darling could play by round five or six but they need to find some options in the meantime.
Young draftee Tom Lamb has played in all four of the Eagles' pre-season matches. The 193cm Victorian was selected with pick No.32 in last year's NAB AFL draft from Dandenong.
He gathered 13 touches, took four marks and kicked 1.1 against Fremantle. Simpson said he could potentially play round one.
"He seems to have adapted pretty well to the intensity," Simpson said.
"He's still going to make some errors but we've got to have a bit of patience.
"We also don't want to rush him straight in. There's another level to go to for round one.
"But we'll review the game and see how he worked off the ball."
http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2015-03-26/sharrod-exceptional-simpson
SHARROD Wellingham has done everything right this pre-season and now the only thing left for him is to deliver, according to the West Coast coach and captain.
Much was expected of Wellingham when he arrived at West Coast from Collingwood at the end of 2012, as 24-year-old premiership players with a clean bill of health are rare commodities.
To snare Wellingham, West Coast paid pick No.18 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, which Collingwood used to draft Brodie Grundy.
But Wellingham's first two seasons at the Eagles have been underwhelming.
Two serious ankle injuries, one self-inflicted on a trampoline, ruined his first season at West Coast.
His second, the first under new coach Adam Simpson, was plagued by poor form that saw him spend time in the WAFL.
Simpson said getting the best out of Wellingham has been his ambition since he became Eagles coach.
Now, after the midfielder had completed a full pre-season, Simpson said Wellingham was edging closer to fulfilling that ambition.
"Sharrod's pre-season has been exceptional," Simpson told AFL.com.au.
"We've been really pleased with his attitude and approach to everything he's done at the ground, at training, (and) away from the club.
"He's in a good space. He's got buy-in from his teammates."
Eagles captain Shannon Hurn echoed his coach's sentiments.
"He's matured more as a player and he understands what he has to do off the field but also on the field to become a better player," Hurn said.
"So I think he's been able to do that. And now it's just about putting the results on the footy field."
Wellingham is in the final season of a three-year deal and his outside run is much-needed.
The Eagles have a Brownlow medallist dominating contested and clearance situations but they need to compliment Matt Priddis' tireless work with outside polish and goals from their other midfielders.
Hurn said Wellingham was one of the men who can do that.
"He is important," Hurn said.
"The way he played at Collingwood was excellent. He plays very well in the midfield and he can go forward and kick goals.
"That's what everyone wants these days and I think that's his strength, so if he can bring that to us he'll be a handy player."
But Simpson also requires him to work harder defensively. The coach said he had seen significant improvement from Wellingham in that area during the pre-season.
"Now it's about producing the goods game day," Simpson said.
"He's given himself every opportunity."