Hey team!

Two home games in a row, I like it!

Unfortunately the boys couldn’t get over the line last weekend, but what an effort for three quarters, maybe they ran out of petrol working so hard early on. A world record tackle count at half time- 60- insane! Hutch had 16 tackles himself, amazing effort.

Our last month has been both pleasing and frustrating, we’ve proven we can take on the best sides and match it with them, but we’ve ultimately fallen just short, aside from our great win against Adelaide. It doesn’t get any easier this weekend against our old rivals the Sydney Swans.

I still lay awake at night sometimes thinking about that great day back in late September 2006, when blue and gold jumpers jumped around in joy, while the mob in red and white lay on the floor, exhausted, shattered, after a classic grand final. We need to channel our inner 2006!!

It’s going to be tough. The Swans have won their past six matches against West Coast. We haven’t knocked them off since 2007. The Swans have won their last three games in WA, but we do lead the head to head at Patersons, 12-7.

The Swans are coming off an easy win against GWS, and I reckon if we hit them hard early, like we did against the Dockers, we can unsettle them and jump them. It’s all about intensity!

There’s also some deeper meaning behind Sundays game.

It’s the annual HMAS Sydney II commemorative match. It honours those who lost their lives when the HMAS Sydney sunk of the WA coast, with all 645 crew members killed.

There will be Navy personnel outside the game rattling the tins, so please give generously! All funds go to legacy, which provides for families affected financially or socially after the incapacitation or death of a loved one during or after their active service.

Henry Diddams, son of the late Sergeant Blaine Diddams M.G., will be on hand to toss the coin for us. Henry’s dad was killed in action in Afghanistan last year, the funds raised by Sunday’s game go to people like Henry, who’s loved ones have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Also in attendance will be Jim Lavender, who was a crew member on the HMAS Sydney. He was transferred from the Sydney just months before the ship was sunk, he is one of the last few remaining crew members. He’s been an Eagles supporter from day one, but never been to a game!

I really hope he and Henry have a great day at the footy, hopefully the boys can pull out a win for them.

So make sure you turn out in your droves this Sunday, come and support a terrific cause, and take in some great footy.

Go Eagles!

Love Rick.