Season 2009 - Wrap Up
The Eagles finished eleventh on the AFL ladder with 8 wins and 14 losses.
The eagles are rebuilding and the results seem ripe for the picking with the second half of 2009 filled with promise as West Coast's
next batch of highly-rated youngsters proved are ready to make their mark for this once mighty team.
Second-year players Chris Masten and Brad Ebert emerged as potential star midfielders, whilst Josh Kennedy took a step forward in attack.
Mitch Brown also showed that he can play after returning from a knee reconstruction and was versatile enough to play at either end of the ground.
However, for the team's two gun players, Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr, they had frustrating seasons.
Cox managed only 13 games with a groin after starting off very well and Kerr didn't play after round 13 with
an adductor. Even before then he struggled with taggers and couldn't keep his frustrations in check with a couple of suspensions.
The bright spot was Mark LeCras who kicked 58 goals for the year and established himself as one the games most effective small forwards.
He also showed he could handle a role in the midfield, which could earn him gun status in fantasy football this year.
Stat Leaders
Leading goalkicker: Mark LeCras (58)
Leading possession winner: Adam Selwood (515)
Most kicks: Andrew Embley (292)
Most handballs: Mathew Priddis (309)
Most marks: Quinten Lynch (127)
Most tackles: Mathew Priddis (127)
Most hit-outs: Dean Cox (346)
Most Dream Team Points: Quinten Lynch (1933 - 22 Games)
Most Dream Team Average: Dean Cox (107 - 13 Games)
Most Super Coach Points: Matthew Priddis (2080 - 20 Games)
Most Super Coach Average: Dean Cox (111 - 13 Games)
Awards
Best And Fairest
- Darren Glass (340 votes)
- Shannon Hurn (329 votes)
- Mark LeCras (328 votes)
- Quinten Lynch (296 votes)
- Matt Priddis (288 votes)
Best First Year Player: Chris Masten
Who They Lost?
Brent Staker (traded to Brisbane Lions)
Mark Seaby (to Sydney Swans)
Fourth-round draft pick (No.55 to Sydney Swans)
Who They Gained?
Bradd Dalziell (from Brisbane Lions)
Second-round draft pick (No.22 from Sydney Swans)
Eighth-round draft pick (No.118 from Sydney Swans)
Under The Gun
Life hasn't been easy since Judd and Cousins left for Daniel Kerr. Constant attention by the opposition and injuries.
But every year, fantasy owners across the country still select him for his reputation rather than production. The numbers don't lie,
Keer has missed in the past 3 years 5 games in 2007, 11 in 2008 and 2009 whilst averaging over 90 once in his DT career.
Burning Question: Naitanui Rising?
Nic Naitanui is still learning the game. This is the scary prospect for the 15 other AFL teams that must face him in coming years.
At 201cm and 96kg, he is an imposing figure whose combination of size and amazing athleticism will probably be the most difficult matchup
for years to come.
Lucky for his opponents, he has a very limited ability to read the play and find the footy. But he was
picked number 2 overall for his potential rather than production. Given another preseason, on top of
last years limited one, and more coaching and preparation and Naitanui can get closer to what the Eagles
envisioned which is a player that can revolutionise the ruck position.
Some fantasy football stats for Nic Naitanui:
Averages DT (53) SC (57)
High DT (71) SC (93)
Low DT (36) SC (39)
90+ Points DT (0/10) SC (1/10)
Sub-70 Points DT (9/10) SC (8/10)