Expectations for 2025

[Astro7]

Who is West Coast's version of Shaun Grigg?

Jack Hutchinson? Good leap on him.... maybe he could take the centre square bounces and JW take around the ground... wouldn't hurt having an extra mid.

Not sure where we'll see Hutch line up for 2025? He's played HF and Mid, and suggested for Wing and HB, ruck is a new one out of the box? Like many things about this team and new coach, especially the ruck debate, all will be revealed soon. The ruck problem mightn't be resolved immediately, could be an ongoing work in progress...

 

[AsterixTheGaul]

Possibly contravening posting rules here, not sure? But here is question #6 from Mongrel Punts WCE article -

6 – IS A FULLY-FIT DUO OF OSCAR ALLEN/JAKE WATERMAN CAPABLE OF BEING THE BEST ONE-TWO FORWARD PUNCH IN THE AFL?

I have to go on record, here. If Oscar Allen is fully fit, and takes over as the number one target, I reckon Jake Waterman has what people will call a “down year” after his excellent 2024.
And the thing is, no matter how it’s painted, that’s not a terrible thing. Not by a long shot.
Oscar Allen, at full fitness (which is something that has been all-too-rare over the last couple of years) has a ceiling that is higher than that of Waterman. Whilst Waterman’s 53 goals was an incredible effort, I would gladly take 35-40 goals from him if it means that Allen is available as the main avenue to goal, and he collects around 50 for the season. He’s done it before – he had 53 in 2023. Doing it again gives the Eagles potency up forward that has been missing since Kennedy and Darling were at their best.

Ideally, if you could get a combination of Waterman/Allen notching 100 goals between them for the 2025 season, it gives West Coast the type of forward firepower rivalled only by the likes of Carlton (Curnow and McKay), and Geelong (Cameron and Stengle). Of course, those teams are finalists, and the Eagles are not, but having reliable targets inside 50 makes the lives of others around them much easier.

With both Allen and Waterman performing, the chances for players like Liam Ryan, Jamie Cripps (whose career is incredibly underrated), and Matt Owies are multiplies. When both big blokes are playing well, they each possess a gravitational pull when it comes to opposition defenders. It creates a forward structure that is dangerous and very difficult to contain, with Ryan, Cripps, and Owies working into space that would otherwise be filled.

Can this duo be the best in the league?

Well, it’s not all on them. It relies on how well the midfield is performing in terms of delivering the footy. It relies on the half-backs pushing up to create a defensive wall to give the forwards multiple opportunities, and it depends on how much pressure is applied at ground level to create chances. That said, there is no reason that Waterman and Allen cannot be a top-five forward duo in the competition this season. Maybe even top three.

And if they’re able to do that, you might be surprised at how different a team West Coast looks in short order.

https://themongrelpunt.com/

If Oscar is fit enough to play CHF leaving Jake more in the goals, then we have a dynamic duo.

The worry is if Oscar can only play deep meaning Snake plays more a high half forward link role.

Simmo stuffed up the set up when Oscar returned and Snake was compromised

 

[Astro7]

If Oscar is fit enough to play CHF leaving Jake more in the goals, then we have a dynamic duo.

The worry is if Oscar can only play deep meaning Snake plays more a high half forward link role.

Simmo stuffed up the set up when Oscar returned and Snake was compromised

Snake seems capable or proven in both positions, so be good to get Oscar bedded down at CHF. Importantly they'll attract good defenders leaving the smalls to do their job - just need the right smalls combo, but we have some depth there for rotations.

 

[WA footy mad]

Expections we will hand over pick 2 & 10 for warner. We should beat Richmond this year.

 

[bzparkes]

Expections we will hand over pick 2 & 10 for warner. We should beat Richmond this year.

We aren't paying 2 & 10 for Warner.

Massive overs.

 

[AndysAngels]

I can see us improving to ~7 wins and a percentage of ~80. This would be a good step forward, but would still probably have us bottom 3. Improved effort and some natural improvement should have us there.

North should improve, given they're a year or two ahead of us in the rebuild, but we would need to have a calamitous season to finish below Richmond.

I reckon Mini basically has a free hit this year - bank another early draft pick and come into a second pre-season of learning the new game-plan in 2026, with a fresh recruit in Chad Warner, and look to bank 10 wins in 2026, thereby locking enough improvement into retain Harley!

 

[Astro7]

I can see us improving to ~7 wins and a percentage of ~80. This would be a good step forward, but would still probably have us bottom 3. Improved effort and some natural improvement should have us there.

North should improve, given they're a year or two ahead of us in the rebuild, but we would need to have a calamitous season to finish below Richmond.

I reckon Mini basically has a free hit this year - bank another early draft pick and come into a second pre-season of learning the new game-plan in 2026, with a fresh recruit in Chad Warner, and look to bank 10 wins in 2026, thereby locking enough improvement into retain Harley!

A safe and realistic outlook, sounds good!
(Is Chad a lock at this stage, or any stage?)

 

[flyinghi64]

Scrape into finals by % with Freo 9th, due to an 8 game win streak post bye. Get knocked out in Prelim by the eventual Premiership team.
Baker , Oallen, Reid and Gov make AA.
Reid RU in Brownlow under controversial circumstances.
Oallen wins Coleman.
Win both Derbies with Reid and Baker BOG.
Reid extends contract by 3 years during the bye week.

Better stop there, running out of imagination

 

[ziad]

6-8 wins. Two wins away from home as our mental strength improves.
At a stretch 8-10 wins.

 

[Seadog]

I just wanna get to the end of the season not wondering if my 1500$ might be better spent somewhere else.............unlike the last 3 years.

 

[Truly Lazuli]

I just wanna get to the end of the season not wondering if my 1500$ might be better spent somewhere else.............unlike the last 3 years.

So what would your options be? Charter a fishing trip for you and a couple of mates? Buy a Chris Reeve sebenza every year? Start drinking the top shelf rather than Brandavino? Get yourself a mohair sports jacket? Spa treatments for you and your partner? Down payment on a Rolex?

 

[Astro7]

Question #14 from Big Questions On WCE 2025 Season -from Mongrel Punt.

14 – WHO IS THE NEXT BREAKOUT PLAYER AT THE CLUB?

This will come as no surprise to Eagles supporters, but it might come as a hell of a shock to opposition fans, once Brady Hough locks down on their best mid-small forward and causes him to have one of his worst days of the season.

Initially, I thought Hough would make a fantastic wingman, and with Andrew Gaff on the decline, and now gone, I viewed him as the heir apparent to ten years running up and down the outside of Optus Stadium.

But West Coast had other plans for the young fella, and in 2024, we saw him deployed in defence to great effect.

Hough reminds me of the type of player that could really play anywhere. He is fast, getting stronger, and reads the footy beautifully, however, in his current role, we haven’t seen him open teams up with his run and carry. I reckon that is something we may see a little more of in 2025.

Hough’s ball use is underrated, as he seems to have been given a directive to play defence first, and worry about the other aspects of the game later.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Andrew McQualter believes that is the best role for him, going forward.

To me, Hough has the capacity to go one of two ways. Either he is the reincarnation of Brad Sheppard… which would be pretty incredible, since he is not even dead. Or he is released into more of a rebounding role, where the Eagles can benefit more from his run.

He ranked ninth on the team in 2024 in Rebound 50s, with players like Jeremy McGovern (of course), Liam Duggan, and Jayden Hunt averaging more. This was not due to ability (except for Gov) – this was due to the role he was allocated.

A Hough that is permitted to run and create is a weapon Schofield has at his disposal, yet may not be fully aware of, just yet. I’ll be watching the Eagles’ intraclub and practice matches carefully to see whether there is a deviation in the way he is being used this season, as compared to last. His skill set has the capacity to open up a game.

The other is Elijah Hewett, who is entering his second year, and showed plenty of signs in his 14 games in 2023, but his 2024 was ruined with injury (bone stress in his foot).
It’s a dicey injury, but he was present on day one of the pre-season, so that is a positive. He can play as a mid, or at half-forward, and after a year out of action, he will be climbing the walls to get out there on the park. Can’t wait to see what he has in the intraclub and practice games.

Home - The Mongrel Punt

themongrelpunt.com

 

[We_The_West]

Just rewatched the Cats walk all over Port in their home elimination final…

A lot to play out but they could be Richmond 2.0 if they get a bad run of injuries to some key players…

Think they’re probably bottom 6 this season.

 

[WCE777]

We aren't paying 2 & 10 for Warner.

Massive overs.

Just rewatched the Cats walk all over Port in their home elimination final…

A lot to play out but they could be Richmond 2.0 if they get a bad run of injuries to some key players…

Think they’re probably bottom 6 this season.

I think Port have hit their peak and the loss of Houston will be significant.
I have he Hawks and Port falling just outside the eight, Freo and Pies in.

 

[Barrybran]

Question #14 from Big Questions On WCE 2025 Season -from Mongrel Punt.

14 – WHO IS THE NEXT BREAKOUT PLAYER AT THE CLUB?

This will come as no surprise to Eagles supporters, but it might come as a hell of a shock to opposition fans, once Brady Hough locks down on their best mid-small forward and causes him to have one of his worst days of the season.

Initially, I thought Hough would make a fantastic wingman, and with Andrew Gaff on the decline, and now gone, I viewed him as the heir apparent to ten years running up and down the outside of Optus Stadium.

But West Coast had other plans for the young fella, and in 2024, we saw him deployed in defence to great effect.

Hough reminds me of the type of player that could really play anywhere. He is fast, getting stronger, and reads the footy beautifully, however, in his current role, we haven’t seen him open teams up with his run and carry. I reckon that is something we may see a little more of in 2025.

Hough’s ball use is underrated, as he seems to have been given a directive to play defence first, and worry about the other aspects of the game later.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Andrew McQualter believes that is the best role for him, going forward.

To me, Hough has the capacity to go one of two ways. Either he is the reincarnation of Brad Sheppard… which would be pretty incredible, since he is not even dead. Or he is released into more of a rebounding role, where the Eagles can benefit more from his run.

He ranked ninth on the team in 2024 in Rebound 50s, with players like Jeremy McGovern (of course), Liam Duggan, and Jayden Hunt averaging more. This was not due to ability (except for Gov) – this was due to the role he was allocated.

A Hough that is permitted to run and create is a weapon Schofield has at his disposal, yet may not be fully aware of, just yet. I’ll be watching the Eagles’ intraclub and practice matches carefully to see whether there is a deviation in the way he is being used this season, as compared to last. His skill set has the capacity to open up a game.

The other is Elijah Hewett, who is entering his second year, and showed plenty of signs in his 14 games in 2023, but his 2024 was ruined with injury (bone stress in his foot).
It’s a dicey injury, but he was present on day one of the pre-season, so that is a positive. He can play as a mid, or at half-forward, and after a year out of action, he will be climbing the walls to get out there on the park. Can’t wait to see what he has in the intraclub and practice games.

Home - The Mongrel Punt

themongrelpunt.com

Who writes this stuff? Hough isn't going to break out because he already has. Granted, the comparison to Sheppard is apt but to anyone paying attention, he's already put together two very good seasons keeping opposition forwards quiet. The only reason many haven't noticed is 1) we've been terrible, 2) he played in a defense with McGovern and Barrass, and 3) Harley Reid.

The correct answer here is Reuben Ginbey. If Mini starts him in defense, I think he'll turn some heads. I think it's a little premature for Hewett to break out, though I do expect a couple of moments that will garner attention.

Bonus points if Maric gets a run in defense and makes it work.

 

[WCE777]

Who writes this stuff? Hough isn't going to break out because he already has. Granted, the comparison to Sheppard is apt but to anyone paying attention, he's already put together two very good seasons keeping opposition forwards quiet. The only reason many haven't noticed is 1) we've been terrible, 2) he played in a defense with McGovern and Barrass, and 3) Harley Reid.

The correct answer here is Reuben Ginbey. If Mini starts him in defense, I think he'll turn some heads. I think it's a little premature for Hewett to break out, though I do expect a couple of moments that will garner attention.

Bonus points if Maric gets a run in defense and makes it work.

its a good point and the very good thing about the current crop is there are several players who could be this breakout player imo.
The list I have is Ginbey, JW, Hewett, Maric & we could get a surprise from 1 of the 2024 draftees.
Good problem to have for a change.

 

[Astro7]

Who writes this stuff? Hough isn't going to break out because he already has. Granted, the comparison to Sheppard is apt but to anyone paying attention, he's already put together two very good seasons keeping opposition forwards quiet. The only reason many haven't noticed is 1) we've been terrible, 2) he played in a defense with McGovern and Barrass, and 3) Harley Reid.

The correct answer here is Reuben Ginbey. If Mini starts him in defense, I think he'll turn some heads. I think it's a little premature for Hewett to break out, though I do expect a couple of moments that will garner attention.

Bonus points if Maric gets a run in defense and makes it work.

This is just a focus on Hough (and Hewett), most of the team gets a mention elsewhere. The guy who writes this stuff is currently busy writing similar stuff for other clubs, so no, he's not fully immersed in WCE, but it's interesting to have an outsider/objective opinion, if not entirely correct all the time. (not dissimilar to BF) And is generally upbeat about WC's 2025 season.

Re Hough, his point was that he is not quite developed as an offensive run+carry type, and if he goes to that level this season, then I guess it will be a break-out or break-through (the lines) season?
Re Ginbey, you'd expect him to be the offensive run+carry type (Ginbey is covered elsewhere in this very long M.P article)
With Mini's new plan we expect everyone to be attacking to some degree. Ginbey was showing good signs when swung in defence, hopefully his kicking improves, same with Duggan.

Hewett, a couple of moments?? Depends if he can stay fit, if so reckon he'll be a pretty solid contributor by mid season (if not a one-two punch with Harley)
Maric and Hutch could be the smokeys for '25?
But then there's Allan and the terrible trio...hell, Oscar could have a break-out season?
I'd like the ruck to have a break-out season? (if only)

 

[KERRPOW]

Who writes this stuff? Hough isn't going to break out because he already has. Granted, the comparison to Sheppard is apt but to anyone paying attention, he's already put together two very good seasons keeping opposition forwards quiet. The only reason many haven't noticed is 1) we've been terrible, 2) he played in a defense with McGovern and Barrass, and 3) Harley Reid.

The correct answer here is Reuben Ginbey. If Mini starts him in defense, I think he'll turn some heads. I think it's a little premature for Hewett to break out, though I do expect a couple of moments that will garner attention.

Bonus points if Maric gets a run in defense and makes it work.

He'll piss it in for sure.

 

[We_The_West]

its a good point and the very good thing about the current crop is there are several players who could be this breakout player imo.
The list I have is Ginbey, JW, Hewett, Maric & we could get a surprise from 1 of the 2024 draftees.
Good problem to have for a change.

Great problem to have.

Really hoping Clay Hall, Whopper, Hutch and Dewar also take the next steps.

From the 2024 draftees, I think Tom Gross will surprise a lot of people - could be the smaller mongrel inside ball pig we are crying out for.