A Preseason Preview - Part 10 of 16 - Westcoast

[an_oxford_man]

looks like yet another season where matera is gonna win their goalkicking. I was talking to a few WC fans a couple of months ago and they were talking up their new recruit brad smith, well now he's out for the season with a serious knee injury he received in the opening minutes of their first intra-club match the other day.

they have a promising list of players (mainly midfielders), not grand final material. I have always felt as though (on paper) their defense has been lacking in height and strength. I suppose I'd have to actually sit through one of their games before I can really comment on this as being a major weakness, but on paper it seems like a very small squad. If Gardiner can stay fit, then they can plug him in at CHB and I'l probablyl be eating my own words regarding their backline. He's a great player, can't forget his potential.

Very accurate assessment, Otis.

 

[Dyer'ere]

Invertabrate Perth side for many years now.

Glass
Staker
Gardiner
Lynch

It's almost a goal to goal line. They've never had one before. With two premierships it makes you wonder how important KPPs are but you need 3 out of 4.

Glass is a nice type. He's not there yet.
Staker is a very promising type who played CHB in the Chad Cornes mould in the preseason. Still VERY light with a lot to learn but athletic and can learn the game at CHB.
Gardiner plays some good footy at CHF. He's no star but he does the job. I don't suppose it helps his knees.
Lynch has had a year of education playing CHB in the ones. He's learnt a lot but is coming from a long way behind in terms of footy nous. Bick, quick, strong, a booming kick but a very unreliable mark. If he holds some grabs it'll be a boon for the Eagles.