A struggling West Coast outfit is facing significant challenges in the early stages of the season, causing concern among AFL Daily co-hosts Nathan Schmook and Damian Barrett.
Schmook, who provides coverage for both Western Australian clubs for AFL.com.au from Perth, delved into the Eagles’ preparations during the preseason and witnessed the concerted efforts being made behind the scenes to rebuild the team.
Approaching the 2024 season as a fresh start following the unprecedented injury setbacks of the past two years, Schmook acknowledges the impact of losing key players like Oscar Allen and ruck recruit Matt Flynn on the team’s structure.
However, his worries deepen as he observes the declining performances of the club’s senior players and their struggles to contain opposition attacks, particularly after turnovers.
Expressing his concerns on the AFL Daily podcast, Schmook emphasizes the worsening trend in West Coast’s performances week by week. Despite recognizing the need to distinguish between past injury woes and the current season, he remains troubled by the team’s on-field issues, including ball movement deficiencies and skill errors.
Schmook highlights the Eagles’ intended game plan focused on aggressive ball pursuit and forward movement at all costs, but notes its vulnerability to opposition counterattacks and turnovers. He underscores the urgency for improvement, expressing worries about the team’s ability to compete effectively throughout the season.
Schmook asserts that the true measure of the Eagles’ current standing will be revealed in round five when they face Richmond at Optus Stadium. With the fifth most difficult start to the season in the league, West Coast faces additional challenges, heightening the significance of the upcoming clash against the Tigers as a litmus test.
“In defense of the Eagles,” Schmook notes, “their opening month has seen them up against formidable opponents such as Port Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney, the Western Bulldogs, and Sydney (this weekend).”
“There’s an upcoming match against Richmond following Gather Round, and I’m eager to witness how the Eagles fare against a team that may be more comparable in terms of their current standing.
Given that Richmond is in a rebuilding phase, this game will serve as a better indicator of the Eagles’ progress and the effectiveness of their gameplan centered around contest, pressure, and forward movement. Against top eight and particularly top four teams, it’s becoming evident that this approach may not hold up.”
AFL Daily co-host Barrett expressed concerns about the Eagles’ performances in their three losses this season, noting a lack of improvement.
He highlighted troubling statistics, including an average losing margin of 11 goals (64 points) since the start of last season, losing all 12 quarters played this year, and an overall record of five wins and 43 losses in the last two years. These figures represent historical lows for the club, prompting uncertainty about its future trajectory.
