The new era at West Coast began with great promise, as the Eagles swept all before them in the pre-season and strolled through the first three rounds. But seven losses in eight games thereafter destroyed any ambitions of a turnaround akin to what the Eagles produced in 2011. They found some form in the last month but left their run too late.
The coach
Adam Simpson remained very calm and quietly spoken throughout the year and did not ruffle any feathers. His new game-plan took a while to take shape but there were very promising signs with the Eagles' ball movement in the final five games. The West Coast board took up the option to extend his initial two-year contract to three in a clear sign that they were pleased with Simpson's first-year performance.
What worked
- The Eagles' defence held up very well this season. Last year the defence finished 14th in the competition for scores against after a horrific late season fade-out. This year they finished seventh and were just four goals shy of fifth.
- Simpson's new game-plan focused on quality ball movement and the Eagles made vast improvements in their disposal efficiency. They finished 17th in the competition in 2013 for effective disposal efficiency. In 2014, they finished 12th. There's still a long way to go but it's trending in the right direction.
- Opposition clubs would be envious of the incredible depth of key position players that the Eagles possess. The retirements of champions in Darren Glass and Dean Cox would leave most club's vulnerable but the Eagles found youngsters to fill the breach immediately, with Jeremy McGovern and Scott Lycett stepping in seamlessly.
What failed
- The rotation of three ruckmen throughout the year was a dismal failure. Cox's future was up in the air for 18 rounds and Lycett's future at the club seemingly depended on Cox's decision. As a result the Eagles played Lycett, Cox and Naitanui together at times, as well as Callum Sinclair. In all of those games they were exposed at ground level.
- The Eagles' midfield was found out on a number of occasions as lacking depth, skill, size and pace. Key injuries to Scott Selwood and Matt Rosa compounded the problem. The coach said the midfield needs to add some bulk in the gym during the off-season and they will search for some quality midfielders in the draft.
- Stats can sometimes be deceiving. The Eagles finished second for goalkicking accuracy in the AFL - only Hawthorn had a better conversion rate in front of goal. But inaccurate goalkicking cost them five matches and they missed the finals by one win.
MVP: Matt Priddis
Last year's best and fairest was the standard bearer for the Eagles in terms of effort and intensity week in, week out, and he had another stellar season. He finished fourth in the AFL for disposals per game and fifth for contested possessions per game and was rewarded with a nomination in the All Australian 40-man squad.
Surprise packet: Scott Lycett
Cox's shoes are an enormous challenge to fill both physically and metaphorically but Lycett went some way to suggesting he could fill them very adequately in the coming years. He showed promise in limited opportunities late last year but he took a huge step forward this season with consistent performances as a ruckman/forward. Re-signed towards the end of the season, he and Nic Naitanui will form a dangerous combination in 2015.
Best rookie/first-year player: Jeremy McGovern
On day one of the pre-season, McGovern was banished from senior training for being badly out of shape and was asked to undertake a tailored program to get up to speed. By the end of the season he was a shining light playing a swingman role. He kicked three goals up forward against Gold Coast before drifting into defence late to take key contested marks. His marking ability is exceptional and his kicking and decision-making belie his years. He has been a real find.
Best win: 31-point win over Adelaide, round 19, Adelaide Oval.
It was a win that not only kept finals hopes alive but it proved what the Eagles were capable of. They trailed at three-quarter time away from home against a fellow finals contender that was expected to win easily. The Eagles piled on six goals to one in a stunning final term to win emphatically and spark a run that saw them win four of the last five.
Low point
The Eagles were belted by the Cats at Simonds Stadium in round four, going goalless after quarter-time. But it was losses in the next three weeks that derailed their year. They led after half-time in all three encounters against Port Adelaide, Carlton and Fremantle in consecutive weeks. They also had more scoring shots in all three games only to lose all three. They would go on to lose seven out of eight matches.
What needs to improve?
The Eagles need to improve all aspects of their midfield to give better supply to their potent power forwards. Simpson believes contested football is a non-negotiable for his team and the Eagles were inconsistent in that area both quarter by quarter and game by game. They also need to continue to sharpen their foot skills and ball movement.
What they need
It has been mentioned a number of times throughout the year that the Eagles need size, strength, speed and skill in the midfield. They will work hard in the pre-season to add some bulk to their midfielders. Speed and skill are a little harder to come by. They are also seeking to find a quality small, crumbing forward.
