https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/1712449/dom-sheed-injury-update?lid=zx2m961qyri1

Is this the end of his career?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-03/afl-investigation-clears-liam-ryan-after-festival-attack/104891856

Just want to absolutely caveat this with the fact that it's not my training report, full credit goes to the poster Keys on Bigfooty who is awesome about heading down to training and giving detailed updates - know it's great for all fans to hear about it. (Also other posters reckoned Harleys leg was a minor issue if that, not anything serious). He got down to their session yesterday (Friday 31st) and posted these notes:

Warmups and skill drills were basically done by the time I arrived around 9.45 - they did the same ball movement drill in small groups across the ground that focused on a short pass then running past for a handball receive before splitting into teams for match sim

As stated previously they played 3x20 minute periods with the third period split into two 10 minute halves. Players were given only a 5 minute or so break between periods

The session culminated in some block running from goal line to goal line before McQualter addressed the players as a group after the session ended. A handful of players did an extra lap or two around the boundary as well. By 11.30 they were done and dusted for the day

Main focus, obviously, was the match sim.

All but 6 players (Waterman, Graham, Baker, Bazzo, Jamieson and Yeo) had game minutes so numbers were quite good all things considered. Graham has gone home for personal reasons but whilst he was at training no reason for Waterman’s non- participation has been given

In a sign of the pecking order for selection this was a clear best v the rest split with the blue team having a far stronger line up. The gold team included both train ons (Brock and Van Es) plus a number of WAFL team players who I didn’t recognise. A couple of assistant coaches also made up the numbers

The first period was surprisingly competitive, albeit a bit scrappy, with Blue scoring two goals to one. After that talent took over and Blue kicked ten unanswered goals over the final two stanzas with their superior ball movement taking over

It wasn’t always clean but there was a genuine desire to get the ball on, mainly by foot, and to take territory if no short option presented. There was very little going back to take a kick over the man on the mark.

Tackling wasn’t a big feature but a couple of strong tackles were laid. Pleasingly there wasn’t a lot of corralling

I was watching from around half forward at the northern end on the opposite side to where the interchange benches were - so couldn’t pick up players going on/off and eyesight was an issue when play was at the club rooms end.

Based on what I could see/pick up then :

Blue Team

Backs • McGovern - commanded the backline without being a standout. Turned the ball over a couple of times by foot, including a turnover from a kickout that should’ve cost his team a goal but Reid missed the set shot from ~35m out 15m in from the boundary • Edwards - started the game at fullback on Livingstone. Wasn’t required to do much and didn’t play the final period. Will be happy just to be back amongst it after missing a chunk of preseason with a foot issue • Ginbey - played off half back and was in everything. Rebounded from D50 and pushed high up the ground to keep the ball inside blue’s front half. Even snuck forward to snap a goal in the final period. Laid one crunching tackle • Cole - lock down defender mainly on Petruccelle. Didn’t get a huge amount of ball but wasn’t at his end a lot. Solid game • Hough - had a really strong 2nd period where his run and carry out of D50 was really good • Allan - probably got his start with the best due to Baker missing but took the opportunity. Backs himself in traffic and very willing to take the game on. Started a chain of possession from D50 in the final period and followed through to finish the passage with a goal on his left. Strong chance for an early debut • Maric - started on the bench but was a strong performer when he did join in. Shared kick in duties with McGovern (there was only 4 or 5) and used the ball well for the most part. My question will be how he defends as a permanent back - not answered today due to the imbalance between the two teams

Rucks • Flynn/BWilliams - Flynn started for blue in the ruck but they both switched between sides throughout the day. Neither had a big influence on the game but on balance I thought Flynn won their battle

Mids • Reid - started the first bounce in the middle but as reported left early with a leg complaint. I didn’t see him leave so not sure exactly how early but he had no impact so I’m guessing it was very early • Kelly - started in the centre and was a driving force throughout. Very good signs from him • Duggan - the third amigo in the opening CBD. Won plenty of ball although most kicks were seeking territory rather than pin point passes. Had a strong game nonetheless • Hunt - started on the bench but played wing when he did come on. Wasn’t prolific. Kicked a nice goal in the second period • Hutchinson- started on a wing but also attended a couple of CBDs. Really good outing. Ran to position well and ball use was good. Looks fit and strong. Has a firm grip on a R1 spot imo - was the best wingman on the ground • Owies, Long and Cripps all rotated between wing and half forward with Long attending at least one CBD - Cripps was the best of them kicking two goals and one other poster from long range. Was one of the best performers overall and showed he won’t be giving up his spot easily. Owies was busy early and kicked the opening goal but faded thereafter. Long played well and pushed back into defence the most of this trio. Ball use was good and creative • Hewett - started on the bench but had an impact when he came on. Strong performance that will encourage the coaching staff. Capped off his game with a goal late

Forwards • Allen - presented well enough in a good tussle primarily with Brock. Kicked two goals and should’ve had a third but dropped a regulation chest mark in space after Brock had to leave him to get to a contest further afield. Moved well and showed no issues with his knee • Reid - with Waterman absent, Reid was given a starting spot in the Blue team although he did alternate between Blue and Gold. Had his moments and even did some CBD ruck work at stages. • JWilliams - quiet game from him up forward and did less ruck work than I thought he would. Did put a ball down Hewett’s throat from a ruck tap in the goal square that Hewett blasted into the post. (Previously credited Flynn with the tap but think it was JWilliams upon reflection) • Ryan - one of the best players on the ground. Pushed up into midfield and his creativity showed through. Was very impactful in a good sign of what might lie ahead • Brockman - was surprised to see him line up in the A team but showed why with a strong performance. Worked well in tandem with Ryan and was dangerous throughout

Gold Team

• Gross - BOG for Gold and close to best overall on the day. His hands are very good and he’s not afraid to put his head over the ball. Sat Ryan on his arse with a Harleyesque fend off and was quick to challenge an opponent who took him high in a tackle by pushing him in the chest once he got to his feet. Narrowly missed the long range shot at goal. Was awfully impressive • Sheed - haven’t seen him named in any other training reports but I’m certain he started in the centre - that finger point is unmistakable. Didn’t have a big impact but like Edwards it’s just good to see him back out there • Chesser - played wing on managed minutes across the first two periods before sitting out the last. Relatively quiet but again, the main thing is he’s back playing • Petruccelle - struggled with a lack of supply and had little influence. Helped set up a goal scoring opportunity for Reid. Is a fair way back in the pecking order right now • Johnston - played HB and was one of Gold’s better players especially in the second period with some good rebound work • Hall - was fighting against the tide in the middle. Did win a couple of centre clearances and battled hard but weight of numbers worked against him • Barnett - played on JWilliams as a KPD and acquitted himself well. Probably won their individual battle and took a couple of strong intercept marks. Shared kick ins with Grego • Grego - genuine fighter and is very willing to have a crack. Narrowly missed a long range shot at goal. Encouraging signs but has work to do • Shanahan - was often at the other end of the ground to where I was as he switched between teams. Predominantly played back and took one really good pack mark in defence when playing for the blue team • Rawlinson- was vibrant early up forward but faded partly due to lack of supply • Champion - had his moments but like his other Gold teammates up forward had minimal chances • Davis - played wing and chased tail for much of the day • Livingstone- Had Edwards for company and took some CBDs. Struggled to have an impact • Dewar - played wing initially and kicked Gold’s only goal. Switched teams for the last period and was lively throughout • Brock - stood Allen and acquitted himself quite well. Didn’t find much of the ball though in a mainly negating role • Van Es - often found himself matched against Ryan in a bit of a mismatch for agility. Didn’t have much influence

Overall, you can see what they’re working towards but there’s still plenty to do before it becomes second nature. Not having Yeo, Waterman, Baker, Graham and, effectively, Reid out there I think detracted from what might have been and we’ll need that group back sooner rather than later to ensure competitiveness when the real thing starts

Hi. I live in the UK now but I’m coming back home to WA for a month over Easter. The only WCE home game is against the Bombers on Good Friday. How hard will it be to get tickets and what sort of price range should I expect? Thanks

What's everyone's thoughts on Oscar Allen meeting with Brisbane? He's an outstanding player who just can't get on the field consistently. I imagine Brisbane would be willing to pay him more than what we are especially if we can't get a full season out of him. Given we have some good young forwards mixed in with a number of younger players who will be looking for a large contract, are we better letting him walk if he wants more money and take the compensation?

I personally think it comes down to form and how consitent he can play. If he has another season derailed by injuries I would rather see the investment be made elsewhere.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/hawks-send-key-duo-to-us-setback-for-power-gun-as-sun-nears-return-casualty-ward/news-story/373cbe8522d90393219460c31ecf47fb

At least it’s not soft tissue or groin again but it’s pretty concerning. Hope the scans come back okay. Really need to see him get a full season in to help the development of some of our younger midfielders.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AFL/s/89QXmf0rO4

Similar to many other sports threads on reddit how do we all feel about banning X links on here. Not very keen on supporting this Neo-nazi bullshit anymore, but lets have your views....

Anyone seen him train? What's the opinion vs Sandy Brock?

Cheap kids wce jackets at Melbourne South wharf dfo

I saw the clip of the rookie camp and I'm pleased by the attitudes of the young blokes and the effort looks spot on. One thing that stood out was the absence of Harley - did he have a leave pass? I really hope for the rookie group that Harley isn't getting favours as it won't help team spirit in my opinion

https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/west-coast-investigating-street-fight-vision-that-allegedly-involves-liam-ryan-c-17415962

I mean, on the plus side he seemed to be moving well

Photo from Eagles twitter

West Coast have invited 20-year-old James Van Es to train with the club during the pre-season in a bid to be signed during the Supplemental Selection Period for the Eagles' final list spot.

Van Es was previously on an AFL list with St Kilda, drafted at Pick 31 in the 2022 National Draft, but was delisted without cracking the senior side for a debut due to a string of injuries since his arrival at Moorabbin.

At 196cm, Van Es is an athletic key defender who recorded the highest vertical leap during the 2022 draft combine. At VFL level, Van Es averaged 8.8 disposals and 3.4 marks across his 14 games with Sandringham in 2023, but was unable to hit the field in 2024 due to a long ankle injury recovery.

He was delisted in August at the conclusion of a 12th-placed season for St Kilda alongside Tom Campbell, Riley Bonner, and Matthew Allison.

In November, the 20-year-old signed with VFL team Port Melbourne, but that could be short-lived if the Victorian-born footballer impresses in WA.

https://www.zerohanger.com/west-coast-invite-former-saint-as-pre-season-train-on-player-157756/

Thought about this a lot and because we have so many young players to choose from, I couldn’t just choose 1, my pick are:

Ginbey- I think he’s been thrown to the wolves his entire career so far because of injuries, correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t think he’s ever played WAFL? Looks like he can really develop down back

Hutchinson- may struggle to get a game early, but he’s seems like someone who can plug a whole in any line, his athletic traits are elite, and if he can stick one of those marking attempts he’ll be fun to watch

Grego- if you haven’t seen the press conference, go do it now, will put a smile on your face. Has a great attitude, very mature, and has a hard edge about him

Again so many to pick, would be keen to hear what others think

2025 is likely bringing the biggest change we’ve seen in the club for a long time with a new coach Mini, three new veterans and a few new young blokes, along with Woosha working behind the scenes.

It’s been a long slog of a last few years but 2025 is where I think we’ll start coming out of it and we’ll see the light again, not returning to major contenders but the thumpings of 60+ point losses will at least come to an end and I can see us finishing somewhere around 15th.

What are your predictions for 2025? Happy new year lads and go eagles.