West Coast
Coach - Adam Simpson
2019 –
Points For – 5th
Points Against – 6th
Top 5 Best and Fairest
- Luke Shuey
- Elliot Yeo
- Brad Sheppard
- Andrew Gaff
- Jack Darling
2019 Rising Star Noms
Jack Petruccelle (Round 5)
Oscar Allen (Round 21)
Ins – Tim Kelly, Callum Jamieson, Ben Johnson, Anthony Treacy, Mitch O’Neill
Outs – Matthew Allen, Patrick Bines, Keegan Brooksby, Chris Masten, Fraser McInnes, Kurt Mutimer
My Prediction
West Coast seemed to never really get going last year despite finishing just outside the top four. It felt like their run was coming towards the finals but even then they couldn’t quite get off the ground. They haven’t lost much talent off their list and have added a top midfielder into their mix, they looked primed this year.
The backline is as good as any in the competition, Barrass teamed with McGovern and Hurn gives great intercept marking and ball use. Jetta gives great run and delivery out of the backline. His big kicking gives them an great way to combat the zone and puts doubt into the opposition. Sheppard keeps improving and is a good stopper who can play both ways.
The midfield was already strong and they just added Tim Kelly into the mix. Adding Kelly to Yeo, Gaff and Shuey gives them a great top end. They have a very spread of players who can win the contested ball as well as being able to spread from the contest. They also have a highly skilled midfield who deliver well in general to their forwards. Kelly brings another element by way of his goal kicking which makes them even more dangerous.
The forward line is exciting, the pressure on Kennedy is relieved when Darling is able to stand up which he still needs to show he can do in big games. Liam Ryan brings another level of excitement to the forward line and was working well in tandem with Rioli before his ban. Petrucelle is lightning quick and although looks to do so silly things at times, he creates doubt and is dangerous anywhere in the forward 50.
The rucks would be great if NicNat stayed fit but I don’t know if that is going to happen. His knees are right to struggle with the things he does at the weight he is. They somehow made Hickey look like a reasonable footballer at times last year and they have managed Vardy well but realistically, they best team had NicNat in the middle. Simpson has shown he can coach and manage this team to be a contender.
They underperformed last year but have set themselves and are ready to go again. Adding Kelly to their team is a massive achievement for a team already in their window. They are a top four team and if they can keep key players fit could challenge for the minor premiership. I worry about NicNat though and his body staying right. I think they are likely to finish in the 3-4 range.
