West Coast Eagles rise to the top four after being a wooden spoon team made them one of the stories of the year along with Tom Scully, the big marking and hopefully the Grand Final. The rise saw John Worsfold become the favourite to be sacked to one of the best coaches in the competition and win the coach of the year award. The same can be said of several players who were useless, had no talent and to old.
Quinten Lynch and Matthew Priddis are two of the reasons why they skyrocketed up the ladder in 2011.
While the veterans in Dean Cox, Darren Glass (who both won All Australian), Andrew Embley and Daniel Kerr all had their best years since 2006 the improvement came from their young kids but more importantly the second tier players in Mark Nicoski, Quinten Lynch, Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis and Eric MacKenzie.
If the veterans can stay fit for another 2-3 years they may be able to experience more finals and maybe even another premiership as the young guns in Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey, Scott Selwood and Jack Darling will only improve.
However like any side that has fallen short the side has holes and needs that have to be meet for them to take the next step. West Coast need pace in the midfield and up forward to sit at the feet of the big men. Nicoski and LeCras are good midsized forwards and their tall timber forwards are premiership material but they still need (to recruit or trade) a small in the ilk of Gartlett, Krakeour and or a Milne.
Season 2011 Snap Shot
Trade Bait
West Coast do not usually take part of the trade period but with a side that now has competition for spots and depth they may have a few players who may look elsewhere.
Chris Masten and Brad Ebert: Both are high picks (Masten #3 and Ebert #13) from the 2007 draft and both have been in and out of the side having been forced to play a high half forward role when both were recruited originally as midfielders. Brad Ebert was rumoured to go back home to Adelaide in the 2010 trade period and is now out of contract.
Koby Stevens, Bradd Dalzell, Jordan Jones and Callum Wilson are handy depth players but may also want to look elsewhere to get a regular game.
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