Every AFL team’s best 23 for ’23: West Coast Eagles

After a horror 2022, which magnets will Adam Simpson move for the year ahead?

EDITOR | January 30, 2023 - 1:29pm

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Following a year where they called on a total of 47 players for the home and away season, West Coast will be hopeful 2023 offers some more stability across their list.

Injuries and the impacts of COVID heavily disrupted the Eagles' season, resulting in a two-win campaign.

Turning their attention to this year, the Eagles have been able to stock up on youth, while they're set to welcome the returns of several injured players that were sidelined for all of last season.

A large void was opened, and quickly filled, in their front third, while spots at half-back will be heavily in demand this year.

Here we assess the Eagles' list for 2023 and name their best 23-man side ahead of the season's start.

Defenders

The Eagles are loaded with flank options among their back six, with veteran defender and premiership captain Shannon Hurn the leading man in defence.

West Coast's general in defence, Hurn will look to mentor the likes of Brady Hough, Alex Witherden, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Josh Rotham, Campbell Chesser and rookie Reuben Ginbey down back, while senior talent in Liam Duggan, Tom Cole and free agency recruit Jayden Hunt also rotate through half-back.

Adam Simpson's taller stocks have seen a shift atop the pecking order, with 2022 best and fairest winner Tom Barrass now the standout star on the Eagles' last line, having been handed the baton from club great Jeremy McGovern last season.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Tom Barrass of the Eagles celebrates with the Premiership Cup after the 2018 AFL Grand Final match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The duo will again lead from the back while working with Harry Edwards as the third tall option down back, while sophomore swingman Rhett Bazzo will continue to cut his teeth in the top flight.

Versatile midfielder Elliot Yeo could be in line for time down back as he eyes a return from injury that has hampered his past three seasons, while Jamaine Jones could be moved back to the forward third given the Eagles' structural needs following the off-season.

Luke Foley, Callum Jamieson and Tyrell Dewar also firm as depth options for Simpson to consider.

Midfielders

When fit and firing, the Eagles' midfield ensemble can be one of the more lethal packs in the league, with their engine room offering a balance of power, poise and pace.

Skipper Luke Shuey headlines Simpson's central options, with Tim Kelly, Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed and the aforementioned Yeo each bringing their own unique traits to the centre squad.

Connor West, Luke Edwards, Greg Clark and Xavier O'Neill have impressed during stints through the middle, but it's the Eagles' more youthful stocks that will excite among their second line.

2022 Mid-Season Draft recruit Jai Culley showed glimpses in his four appearances last year, while top draft selections Elijah Hewett and Ginbey are sure to be given opportunities in their debut seasons, with the latter seen as a ready-made talent that firms as a Round 1 chance.

Reuben Ginbey and Adam Simpson during the 2022 AFL National Draft (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Sports)

Later picks in Coby Burgiel and Noah Long add to the Eagles' list of reinforcements, while Petrevski-Seton, Chesser and Hough could also find minutes in midfield.

Their flock of ball-winners will circle the feet of veteran ruckman Nic Naitanui, who is among the long list of Eagles hoping to have put their injury woes behind them.

Arguably the best tap ruckman in the competition, Naitanui provides his teammates with stellar service across the field.

Bailey Williams took on the first-string ruck duties in Naiatanui's absence last year, while Jamieson and draftee Harry Barnett will also look to learn from the athletic big man as burgeoning ruckmen.

Forwards

The Eagles lost their all-time goalkicker in Josh Kennedy to retirement over the off-season, a move that has opened a sizeable void in their attack.

The man tipped to replace the retired champion is young star Oscar Allen, who missed the entire 2022 campaign with a foot injury.

Pairing with premiership forward Jack Darling, Allen firms as a pivotal piece in Adam Simpsoin's attack heading into the 2023 season.

Developing forward threat Jake Waterman will be hoping to cement his place as the third tall option after booting 18 goals in 20 games last year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Oscar Allen of the Eagles runs with the ball during the round four AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

At ground level will be Liam Ryan and Jamie Cripps, with the latter being the club's best goalkicker last year among their smaller options, while Ryan struggled in 2022 to record just 19 majors to his name.

Jamaine Jones could be shifted back to the forward line given the Eagles' defensive riches and the void left by Junior Rioli, who has departed to Port Adelaide.

Isiah Winder may also be in the frame to replace Rioli, while speedster Jack Petruccelle and Hewett can slot into spots in the forward line.