AFL 2023: West Coast fails round one test against North Melbourne
“Rest Coast Eagles”.
Melbourne legend and AFL commentator Garry Lyon has renamed the once-proud Western Australia side after a dismal round one performance against North Melbourne.
After a two-win season in 2022 that saw the club endure an extensive injury list as well as COVID-19 complications, Eagles fans hoped their club would bounce back in 2023.
The Kangaroos had other ideas, however, claiming the all-important four points and making matters worse for the West Coast as alarm bells began to ring.
The Eagles, who went on court with a game-high 34 points, lost many key stats Saturday, suggesting a lack of identity and leadership.
Back a team head-to-head and if they lead by 12+ points at half-time you get paid! Max win $100. Excludes residents of SA. The terms and conditions apply. Gamble responsibly.
Adam Simpson’s men lost clearances (41-26) and struggled for possession (152-115), though they won hit-outs (49-32).
Lyon is listed on Fox Footy’s On the couch that the club looked disoriented as their veteran players were not up to the challenge.
“They are not feared. Nobody fears the West Coast Eagles right now. It used to be the worst trip I’ve ever tried to go there,” Lyon said.
“What’s happening? You’re up there against a North Melbourne side who’s the youngest team of the year, they’re the fifth oldest and are losing by 37 contested possessions.
“That means nothing has changed. You are harmless. You’ve gotten good at losing. You accepted losing.
“The West Coast is still in pain. They’re the fifth oldest and they’re in the Hawthorn category below… Where’s the West Coast going?
“Not a single player stood up against North Melbourne and said, ‘This isn’t going to happen’.”
Unlike Hawthorn, who have stated they are in the early stages of a rebuild, West Coast has been in no-man’s-land for the past two seasons.
As of Saturday, 10 of the 23 players had played in over 100 games at the AFL level but failed to make a significant impact.
Though the Eagles featured three debutants – and Jayden Hunt – the club still had plenty of talent on its roster, but they underperformed against an inexperienced side.
What’s Next for the West Coast in 2023?
The modern game has passed Simpson and his men, who will come under scrutiny if they continue dishing out games like this.
West Coast’s style of play of possession football, with players playing around, is dated and doesn’t win games.
However, for Simpson to avoid a damning record of sacking coaches after a two-win season, something needs to change.
“Fitzroy went bang, bang out. Out of the competition after two wins (1995 and 1996). St Kilda (2000) sacked the manager after two wins, Freo (2001) sacked the manager after two wins. GWS 2012 and 2013 were her first years. Melbourne fired their coach (2013) after two wins. Carlton (2018) didn’t fire their coach after two wins – they did next year, and North Melbourne (2022) fired their coach after two wins,” Lyon said.
Dare to be bold
As all successful coaches have done at various stages, dare to be bold and risk it all.
Simpson – whose tenure as Eagles coach has been largely successful – will have to try something new.
As the game has evolved, you either adapt, come up with something new, or go off into the sunset.
As 2022 and 2023 have already shown, Tempo wins and Offense is the flavor of the month.
If players are encouraged to take over the game, manipulate the “stand on the court” rule and place it in the hands of their elite ball users, different outcomes could be achieved.
change of position
West Coast has always been rock solid, led by Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass.
However, their impressive performances at the back could be used further up the field to make that bold move.
The couple both took 10 marks, but also had nothing to kick.
Although paying Paul would steal Peter, it could bring new dynamics to a struggling side.
speed on the ball
They recruited Hunt from Melbourne to do half back a little faster.
Jack Petruccelle is a well-known speedster.
Like St Kilda versus Fremantle, they played their big ones higher up so their little ones could work in a big room behind them.
As soon as the ball entered the attacking third, Saints Smalls ran in numbers and swooped to the footy.
West Coast could implement a similar strategy, playing a more chaotic brand that inspires quick moves.
Play the little kids
One thing Simpson did was debut three draftees over the weekend.
Noah Long. Reuben Ginbey. Campbell Chesser.
There’s plenty more in the shed, with Elijah Hewett taking his case, Harry Barnett – a young ruckman – and Jai Culley, whose preseason was outstanding.