West Coast
Coach – Adam Simpson
2017 –
Points For – 9th
Points Against – 6th
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Elliot Yeo
- Jeremy McGovern
- Luke Shuey
- Shannon Hurn
- Josh Kennedy
2017 Rising Star Noms
Nil
Ins – Brendon Ah Chee, Jarrod Brander, Oscar Allen, Liam Ryan, Brayden Ainsworth, Jack Patruccelle, Hamish Brayshaw, Ryan Burrows, Tony Olango, Callan England
Outs – Sam Mitchell, Matthew Priddis, Paddy Brophy, Sam Butler, Drew Petrie, Jonathan Giles, Simon Tunbridge, Sharrod Wellingham, Josh Hill, Tom Lamb, Tom Gortner, Jordan Snadden
My Prediction
West Coast are a real wildcard this year. The only places I don’t see them finishing is the top 4 or the bottom 4. Anything in between is a genuine possibility.
Their backline is fine from a depth and talent perspective. They have good quality talls who are very efficient at shutting down their opponents. Hurn, McKenzie, McGovern and Barrass gives them plenty of tall options. I would question whether they have enough run off half back. They look predictable from the half back line and susceptible to a team who zones off well.
The midfield will be really interesting this year. Losing a Brownlow medalist and a runner up Brownlow medalist surely has to hurt. I think they had to lose one of them but surprised they both left. They are going to need someone outside of Gaff and Shuey to stand up. I think they are going to struggle with clearances this year. Someone like Sheed is going to have to stand up for them. They will be looking for Jetta to finally show his worth and for Yeo to build on an outstanding year last year.
The forward line works if Kennedy is in it. They struggle without him but he is probably the best KP forward in the competition so you would expect any team would be better with him in. Darling looks to have stagnated a little from what I see but still gives a presence. Lecras is capable but looks to have lost a yard which is where young Rioli will come in. Another Rioli who will be this end of this year have lived up to his surname.
The rucks will be much better with NicNat back. They missed him last year. He isn’t a perfect player but he has a big impact on their team. Vardy was good last year and will give great support. The coach must be under some sort of pressure. He has quiet dragged the team nowhere over his tenure. They look to be in the middle of a soft rebuild which isnt going to improve things.
West Coast have a big home ground advantage despite moving stadiums. The travel factor works both ways though. Having to fly interstate every second week is taxing. The list has taken some necessary steps backwards this year so logically I expect the team will as well. I don’t see them as a finals team unless absolutely everything goes right. I think they finish 10-12