Western Suburbs
How their year went
Magpie fans who have endured a couple of tough years had cause for optimism early as their senior side won three out of their first five games. After holding a top-five position, Western Suburbs slipped away in the middle part of the season but showed their potential with wins over UNSW/ES and Manly-Warringah. Finished with three wins and a draw in their last four games to finish one spot out of the finals.
What they need
It is a developing list that would benefit with more depth across each line. No doubt the focus will be on more speed on the outside, a key defender to support Matthew Lemme and more support in the midfield to veteran, Stephen Hudson.
Shining lights
Kevin Eynaud should be applauded for a couple of key transfers that ended up being among their best players this year. The return of fullback Mathew Lemme from Sydney University shored up their defence; a frailty in previous years. Levi Sands moved down from the North Coast and the raking left footer was arguably their best player this year and took out the AFL Sydney Rising Star Award. Rory Miller claimed the Stan Milton Medal for leading goalkicker and represented the AFL Sydney Senior Representative Squad and made the Team of the Year in a halcyon year.
Season defining moment
When the Magpies look back on their season they will rue Rounds 12 to 14. The Round 14 loss in particular to Campbelltown made the task of reaching finals a very tough mountain to climb.
Players on the rise
Levi Sands would have to be top of the list given he came from obscurity to dominate in the Sydney competition. Ben and Jarred Polley as well as Jack Codd-Miller will be regular members of the senior side for years to come.
Grade
B-
The Magpies were definitely much improved on last year where they finished ninth with four wins. Eynaud has the side more committed and accountable but still have a couple of levels to go if they are to challenge the top sides of the competition week-in, week-out.
2014 prediction
They are on the right track but there are still a number of changes that need to happen to their list if they are to make the finals in 2014. The Magpies could see themselves in a similar or slightly improved position.
Last Modified on 30/09/2013 13:00
