West Coast Eagles

Season Review: West Coast

The Eagles had a disappointing season in the end by their lofty standards.

Published by
Benjamin Millard

Considering the impact that many thought the Eagles would have on the 2020 finals, a first week exit at the hands of the Pies marred their season.

The Eagles were looking good for most of the season before multiple losses booted them out of the top four and into sudden death territory.

Lucky for Adam Simpson, he still has bounds of quality to play with to have a red hot crack at 2021.

BEST WIN

Round 8 vs Collingwood: Although it was a game that the Eagles were expected to win, an 11 goal drubbing of the Pies never loses its shine.

The Pies were severely undermanned, but that didn't stop Josh J. Kennedy kicking seven goals and Tim Kelly playing arguably his best game at West Coast.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 26: Josh J. Kennedy of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 8 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on July 26, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

WORST LOSS

Elimination final vs Collingwood: The second meeting between the clubs went drastically different to their home-and-away contest.

In what was dubbed an 'unwinnable' game for Nathan Buckley's side, they somehow pulled through at the expense of the Eagles, who went down by a point in soul-shattering circumstances.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Brody Mihocek of the Magpies celebrates the win during the 2020 AFL First Elimination Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the Collingwood Magpies at Optus Stadium on October 03, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

MVP

Nic Naitanui: The All-Australian ruckman was in frightening form for much of the season and was vastly superior to his opposition week in week out. He averaged 29 hitouts per game, as well as 5.6 clearances. Simply stunning numbers for a two metre tall player.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Nic Naitanui of the Eagles enters the arena during the 2019 AFL round 16 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at the Optus Stadium on July 06, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

MOST IMPROVED

Liam Ryan: The high-flyer was always a sight to behold whenever he played, but his 2020 season was something to behold. The way that the 24-year-old moves and consistently takes marks which lift spectators out of their chair makes him the most exciting player in the game. The sky is the limit for 'Flyin' Ryan'.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Liam Ryan of the Eagles marks the ball over Max Gawn of the Demons during the round nine AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Melbourne Demons at Optus Stadium on May 17, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

NEEDS TO LIFT

Jarrod Brander: The 6'5" tall man was put on the wing in the 2020 season, but never got the ball rolling as a result of injury. Although he can't help it, this is his third season at the club and he has failed to break into their best 22. Will need to put in the hard yards in the off-season to get up to scratch for 2021.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Jarrod Brander of the Eagles in action during the 2020 AFL Round 12 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium on August 16, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

INS AND OUTS

In 

Zac Langdon (GWS)

Alex Witherden (Brisbane)

Pick 58 (Sydney)

Pick 62 (Sydney)

Future 2nd-round (Sydney)

Future 3rd-round (Sydney)

Pick 86 (Brisbane)

Out

Tom Hickey (Sydney)

Pick 34

Pick 60

Pick 58 (Brisbane)

Future 3rd-round pick (Brisbane)

Pick 54 (GWS)

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Alex Witherden of the Lions handballs during the round 11 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Hawthorn Hawks at The Gabba on June 01, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

2021 CRYSTAL BALL

The way that the 2020 season ended shows that the Eagles do need to work on some things during the off-season.

However, the arrival of two guns in the form of Langdon and Witherden solidifies Adam Simpson's plans for the future, and instantly improves the Eagles squad.

West Coast should not accept anything less than a top-four place. A home final would be ideal but the double chance is all they'd be aiming for.

If they get the double chance, who knows what could happen with the talent they have.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Jeremy McGovern of the Eagles marks the ball during the 2020 AFL Round 13 match between the West Coast Eagles and the GWS Giants at Optus Stadium on August 23, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Published by
Benjamin Millard