No surprise for Jones - when Notte was selected in front of him twice the writing was on the wall.

Thomson is a chance to be relisted as a rookie.

Armstrong made a late surge with some serviceable games in the midfield, where really he belongs. But it was not enough - I guess the decision was made earlier in the year regarding Army, which is a shame but that’s footy.

When you consider both Jones and Armstrong were rookie listed after stints at other clubs, and Thompson was number 80 draft selection it is not surprising these guys were the first to go.

To all three players we wish you all the best with your futures.

Back: Bock, McPharlin, Fisher
Half Back: Hodge, Scarlett, Enright
Centre: Corey, Bartel, Cooney
Half Forward: Reiwoldt, Franklin, Harvey
Forward: Johnson, Fevola, Motlop
Ruck: Cox, Ablett, Judd
Interchange: Richardson, Sandilands, Mitchell, Kirk

Scarlett and McPharlin have been the best key backs all season. McPharlin has been particularly strong in locking down key forwards, whilst Scarlett can do that and also set up his sides forays forward.

I went with Bock and Fisher in the backline. Both are critical to their sides defence, very strong overhead (top 10 marks), also win their own ball (both 21 disposal pg +) and play key roles in their respective game plans.

Hodge has been the most damaging half back of the season. His is an easy selection. Enright is another player who can lock down, tag, as well as win plenty of his own ball. Dale Morris is unlucky to miss out here - also a very good shut down defender of various types of players.

In the midfield things got tougher - there are plenty of worthy recipients. In the end I favoured players who led their respective midfields - they cop the tags each week, they are who their team mates look to, and they perform week in and out.

Corey is the games largest possession winner in 2008 and is the model of consistency. Bartel will go close to repeating his Brownlow of 07, having arguably a better year this year than last. Cooney adds plenty of line breaking ability, great ball winner and finisher.

Dean Cox is the obvious favourite to lead the ruck and partnering him is the dream team of Gary Ablett and Chris Judd. Both led their team midfields brilliantly. Win the contested ball, skills are superb, break open play and can be unstoppable.

Forwards include Franklin and Fevola - 200+ goals between them, how can you not?

I have selected Nick Reiwoldt over Brown and Pavlich simply because Reiwoldt was vital to his side’s late rush to 4th spot on the ladder. His performances in the second half of the season were huge. Led the league in contested marks.

Steve Johnson and Motlop get the small forward slots. Both were their sides leading goal scorers. Motlop is magical and Johnson is not far behind him. Motlop is excellent defensively and Johnson is 2nd in the league for scoring assists whilst averaging close to 20 disposals a game. Hard to beat.

Brent Harvey rounds out the forwards as the defacto midfielder. Has led the Roos from the front again in 08.

On the bench I have a bit of mishmash. Sandilands gets the 2nd ruck slot. Richo is hard to overlook - led the league in marks, kicked 48 goals and averaged 18 possessions a game up the field. Great weapon to have on the bench.

Then I went for Sam Mitchell and Brett Kirk. Both are similar players and ideally you’d want and different sort of player - maybe an outside mid. But both in my opinion were the next best players. Both led their respective midfields. Both great in the clearances (Mitchell led the AFL), strong defensively (Kirk led AFL in tackles again), and obviously win their own ball. Both worthy recipients in my view.

Very close to selection would have to be Pavlich, Jonathan Brown, Ryan O’Keefe, Simon Black, Joel Selwood, Milburn, Robert Murphy and Dale Morris as mentioned.

Nevermind, some of you will probably make the real team when it is announced Sept 15th.

It’s been a while since I posted here. A combination of a holiday, sickness and apathy caused by some insipid and uninspiring games. What can you say but I’m glad its over. Not sure if I’ve ever felt that way about a season before, at least not since 2001 our last worst ever season. 2008 however, now stands alone in it’s suckiness.

There were some good points though. Let’s not forget the lack of arrests and criminal and drug related innuendo. That’s a plus off field that could reap some benefits on field eventually. At least we’re a chance to keep our draft picks we worked so hard to win.

A harvest of new draftees is something to look forward to. At least 3 top 20 picks, with more, possibly to come in what is supposedly a good draft. Although, we hear that every year so I’m not sure how that really works. It’s six weeks until trade week - one of my favourite weeks of the year.

Anyhow, we have a new look match committee none of which includes Michael Voss. He was with us but now isn’t which is not so much of a loss seeing as he was never here in the first place. We will watch with interest who the new Assistants will be.

We did have some on field highlights - thankfully I got to watch all four of them. Wins that is.

First against Brisbane, one great quarter and three that showcased what we could expect for the rest of the year as it turned out.

Adelaide was a surprise - a very pleasant one - and momentarily got us optimistic again, which was dumb.

St Kilda was even more of a surprise as they were in form and got off to a flyer only for us to bump our toe on that long lost ingredient known as confidence. Best game of the year for us in my opinion.

A few weeks later gave us our last highlight - a win against Essendon. Again we took down an in form side, thanks in no small part to seven goals from Ben McKinley. It is always a special thrill to thump the Bombers, even if they did mount a small last qtr comeback.

McKinley is worth mentioning. He was the real bolter in our squad this season. Most thought he’d be axed at the end of 07 after 2 seasons and 1 game. But he struggled with OP for most of that time and after 7 goals in the first WAFL game of the year he came in and immediately began to show some form. 42 goals 20 from 18 games way exceeded anyone’s expectations and he is going become a very good player for us.

Four players managed 22 games and we can expect the Club Champion votes to reflect good seasons from Dean Cox, who was by far and away our best competitor for the season, Quinten Lynch and Adam Selwood who were consistent and reliable all year. Stenglein was the fourth and really only showed form in patches.

Many of the other youngsters showed something at various times in the season, but all were also exposed many times as well. Wilkes, Davis, Ebert, Masten, Houlihan, S.Selwood, Spangher and Notte all debuted in 08.

It will be interesting to see what impact a healthy list might have on our performances in 2009.

I’m sure some of the more experienced hands will walk straight back in - you’d reckon once they are fit likes of Kerr*, Rosa, Hunter, Waters, Hurn makes us a better side. Not to mention the fact we have no where near seen the best of the injured youngsters Ebert, Masten and Kennedy. Plus how some of the lesser likes might rise to the challenge will be interesting.

All in all we can’t help but expect the future will be brighter. The recent past has never been so dark, and I for one refuse to consider anything worse than that. Bring on the trades, draft, pre-season and 09.

* Assuming of course we don’t ship him to Siberia for a couple of choice A-Grade draft selections.

West Coast Eagles
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Adam Selwood, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Brad Ebert, Tyson Stenglein
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Brent Staker
Foll: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Jamie McNamara
I/C (from): Ryan Davis, Tim Houlihan, Ben McKinley, Matt Priddis, Mark Seaby, Scott Selwood, Matt Spangher

Glass will come in - most likely for Spangher - so there will be at least one change you’d reckon.

West Coast 2.3 6.5 9.11 15.13 (103)
St Kilda 4.5 6.6 9.9 12.14 (86)

I enjoyed this game more than any all year. It was a ripper.

Maybe that’s contributed to the long delay on writing this up - it was such sweet relief from 7 straight thumpings, I don’t want to move on. Maybe.

Whatever the reason, we clicked. Finally.

After the Saints banged on the first 4 goals I thought ‘here we go again’ along with 35000 others. But the Saints fiddled and missed some gettable shots and we belated grabbed two late ones in the first quarter and the confidence began to creep back.

Great to see some innovation from the coaching staff bringing results. The much talked about “Staker game” is primary in our thoughts. He’s played in the midfield before, usually as a negating player only to be banished to the forward line the week after. But this week he played in the middle with purpose, aggression and attacking intent that we’ve missed all year.

One thing about Staker we’ve worked out, he’s much more comfortable facing goals than leading away from them. The midfield - at least played as he did on Saturday - is the future for Brent.

Joining him on the wing was big Lynchy. If Staker’s game was a stand out, Lynchy was right along side him. Both these blokes winning the ball, running and carrying it, then pumping it inside 50 or scoring themselves - it was a treat to watch and really got the crowd going.

Between them they had something like 50 disposals, 20 inside 50’s, 15 marks, 9 tackles and 4 goals.

Brad Ebert is the second youngest player on our list, but his rising up the ranks of who our best players are. His 25 disposal, 3 goals game - opposed to Nick Dal Santo - was a sign of a great future. He was rewarded with a Rising Star nomination for his efforts.

Others with good games were - Nicoski whose long goal was a reminder of his damaging left boot. I liked Stenglein as a defensive forward in the RoJo mould. LeCras was dangerous up forward and really looks to have a ton of confidence right now. McKenzie did well on Reiwoldt - in spite of the 5 goals. He’s got a good understanding of the game and impressive leg speed. McNamara continues wins fans for his tough at it play.

All round good signs are finally emerging. With a derby on Sunday, we will have a great chance to add some consistency to our performance against the “Shaun McManus Memorial” Dockers. They can’t afford to lose as we’ve heard all week in the media - which is bound to be a good sign for us.

In other news, good to see Shaun McManus has decided to retire with his last game being a “grand final”.

West Coast
B: Mark Nicoski, Eric Mackenzie, Tyson Stenglein
HB: Adam Selwood, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Matt Priddis, Brent Staker
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Mark Seaby
Foll: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley, Scott Selwood, Matt Spangher
EMG: Tim Houlihan, Pat McGinnity, Tony Notte

In: Braun, Armstrong, Seaby, Spangher
Out: Kennedy (knee), Glass (thigh), Houlihan, Davis.

Not surprised to see Houlihan and Davis get rotated out after it was noted they were down in last week’s game. Glass has finally conceded to injury and Kennedy is out again with another knee injury.

It means Braun and Armstrong are back, along with third gamer Matt Spangher and forgotten ruck man Mark Seaby. I really think we’re a bit top heavy to be honest, but with the Saints playing two recognised followers I guess we do what we usually do and reactively match them up. I’d probably prefer we trial some more run as our last few games at Subi have exposed us badly across the ground.

Having said that, injuries are biting as can be evidenced by two yet-to-debut youngsters in McGinnity and Notte being named in the emergencies.

The real question is can we avert a record equally 8 straight loss?

Brisbane Lions 5.4 11.5 14.7 17.11 (113)
West Coast 3.3 5.6 8.10 9.13 (67)

On the face of it we got another hammering, 46 points this time and our losing sequence extends to 7 (for the second time this season). But on closer examination, it wasn’t all as bad as that.

When we closed to within 4 points midway through the second quarter we entered terrain our team had not known for many a week - we were still in it.

Unfortunately, it didn’t last and the Lions banged on the next 5 goals to lead by 35 points at half time. It was incredibly frustrated, to be looking half good only to have it taken away just as quickly. We did, however, get a glimpse and that is more than we’ve shown in the last month or so.

There were a couple things I liked about this game, which gives me cause to believe we can build on them.

I thought Jamie McNamara showed a bit. He’s a goer. He tackles as though he’s giving 100% and unlike a lot of 19 year olds his tackles aren’t broken through like he has arms of wet paper. Putting him in the middle for the rest of the year is a must because right now he’s our leading light amongst our younger midfield brigade.

I liked the contribution of Lynch and Staker up the ground. Lynch added a lot to our side with his long inside 50 entries and his ability to compete on the ground and in the air. Stake likewise probably played one of his better games of the season and it appears like the midfield is the place for him to play. He’s great on the ground and is agile and quick enough to run through there. I can see a Goodes-type role for Staker in the midfield - but as always - consistency is the key. We want to see it next week, Brent.

It is clear we can’t have a forward line that includes all of Hansen, Kennedy, Lynch, Staker and McKinley. I include McKinley in that group because the problem with talls in the forward line is really not their height, it’s the ability to ensure the defence doesn’t run off you and create scoring opportunities on the rebound.

Even with Kennedy, Hansen and McKinley our defensive pressure is pretty suspect. McKinley - whom I’ve defended as a player we need to keep - really needs to work on the defensive part of his game over the off-season because it is hampering him as player right now. I’d love to see his demeanour on the field become a bit more positive as well - I think it would be a good indicator he is willing to do the team thing for the benefit of the team. Having said that his dying seconds pack mark and goal is what he offers the team and what makes him a valuable member of the squad.

Some of the Veterans had good games as well. Hansen worked into a bit of form, Embley, Fletcher and Selwood found plenty of it. And Dean Cox just continues to lead the way. His 36 possession, 27 hit out, 11 mark game just continues to raise the bar for himself, and all other ruckmen in the game.

But the fact remains we got beaten by 8 goals. And part of the reason is that our younger players are not all able to consistently compete at this level.

McKenzie and Wilkes were very good in defence against Brown / Bradshaw / Brennan and showed some more good signs for the future.

Ebert was solid if not spectacular, but the likes of Davis, S.Selwood and Houlihan were pretty quiet. All four have a future in my mind, and while they are all at different stages of development and we see good things, it is a fact they are all rookies and aren’t able to contribute to the standard needed week in and out.

That’s the pay off I suppose for getting development into these blokes. Whilst we’re not as competitive across the board right now, we’ll be far better placed in the future.

4. Leadership
Darren Glass can’t do it. The like of Kerr won’t do it.

We need some leadership in the middle of the ground.

Get any one you like to smile for sponsors, speak to the media or toss the coin. We need some players to stand up and exert themselves on the contest and lead by example.

For years our team had the example of Cousins and Judd who without fail made it their responsibility to outrun, out compete, out work their opponents. Cousins for all his off field crap, never cheated an inch on the field. He didn’t feign for free kicks, he didn’t try and gain an advantage through cheap shots, he didn’t lose his cool if things weren’t going for him. Instead he made sure when his opponent took his last step, he’d take another, even if it meant throwing his guts up.

It’s leadership by example.

For all Darren Glass’ fine qualities he can’t do that. 1) Because of his physical condition and 2) Because of his position. For all Leo Barry’s fine attributes at Sydney it is Brett Kirk who leads by example.

We need some Kirk’s the lead the way at West Coast because right now there is a gaping massive whole that our current players are unwilling to fill.

5. Make a decision on a forward line structure
We need something that will work with the players we have. And if we can’t discover something with the players we have we need to get new players.

Recently the endless tinkering is hampering the confidence of our forward line players.

We have some potentially good forwards - LeCras, McKinley plus the likes of Kennedy, Hunter, Lynch, Hansen and Wirra. But we need to make those players work together to kick a winning score.

Right now it’s a lottery going forward. For all the coaching restructures this is one part of our game plan that desperately needs work - there is no confidence in this squad that we will kick a winning score.

West Coast Eagles
B: Ryan Davis, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Tyson Stenglein, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Adam Selwood
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Josh Kennedy
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Ben McKinley, Mark Nicoski, Scott Selwood, Brent Staker
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun, Mark Seaby

In: Mackenzie, Fletcher, McNamara, S. Selwood, Staker
Out: Daniel Kerr (susp), Adam Hunter (knee, shoulder), Brett Jones (knee), Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun

Kerr is out suspended, Hunter and Jones go under the knife and get ready for 09. Armstrong continues his rotation selection policy and it looks like curtains for Brauny.

In come McNamara, Fletcher and S.Selwood to strengthen the midfield. Staker and second gamer Eric McKenzie come in for Hunter and Bones. No Schofield for Jones, which surprises me. Could be another injury for all we know.

It looks pretty thin on paper our side, but what should we expect? Not much to play for at this stage.

In all honesty it is at this point I wish the AFL had changed the drafting system to a lottery. I find myself eagerly going to look at Fremantle and Melbournes ins and outs right after the Eagles. Why? Because we all know how they go is going to directly effect how we go by seasons end (I am tipping Melbourne - the Dockers can’t help but compete with us, even if it is who is worst). It’s no fun at this stage of the season when you’re 15th and have just endured a month of floggings.

Still we keep supporting. It will interesting to see how S.Selwood and McKenzie go after long absences from the side. Also I am looking to see who comes ready to play - we need some players to stand up and say “here I am, count me in, I’m taking a stand”. Let’s hope they’re there.