Club
East Coast Eagles
Key players
Jack Dimery started to dominate in the last year East Coast played their senior grade in Premier Division and on their return he will be a player to watch. A ball-magnet, the left-footer can have an impact off a half-back or wing. The Vlatko brothers have been East Coast veterans and despite being on the wrong side of 30, Jon (35, club captain and half forward/centre) and Jamie (31, centre half-forward) will figure heavily in the action. And then Kieran Emery. Holding down a key position in defence, his efficiency in 2014 was phenomenal and will be a real barometer for the side.
Star on the Rise
Despite having over 50 games of senior experience, there is still plenty of growth potential for 20-year old, Stuart Turner. Turner played predominantly in a shutdown role in the NEAFL but now in the AFL Sydney competition, expect him to break out and have more of an opportunity to get the ball in his hands.
Strengths
They are a class list with NEAFL state league and AFL experience. They have class defenders in Ben Bourke and Kieran Emery, and a gun full-forward in Scott Reed (ex-Collingwood) who will run Brayden Fowler all the way in the Stan Milton goal kicking standings. Boast a great mix of experience (see above) and young players coming through the ranks.
Weaknesses
Going through their list, they have lost upward of eight players from their best 22 players which will be a slight obstacle for them to overcome. They lacked consistency in the NEAFL, often being the better side at various stages in games, but failing to come through with the amount of wins they would have expected.
Season defining month
They have a challenging stretch starting at Round 10 when they travel to the Northern Beaches to take on heavyweights Manly-Warringah. That is followed by a home clash against neighbours, Pennant Hills, a trip to windy Olds Park which is always a test in the middle of winter to face St George, finished off by a home match against Western Suburbs. These are all sides we are tipping to finish alongside East Coast in the top five.
Notable Transfers
As expected, with a drop to Premier Division has meant a number of big names have moved on to greener pastures. Notable exclusions include Tim Garlick (Eastlake), Marc Dragicevic (Randwick), Luke Gemmill (Ainslie), Michael Riseley (Berwick- South East FL), Jackson Ferguson (Hay- Golden Rivers FL), Mark Weekes (Montrose- Eastern FL) and Ben McNiece (Morningside). The main additions are former young gun, Karl Merson who returns to a strong midfield after a year at St George while new West Coast (WAAFL) recruit Blake Anderson is expected to have a significant impact.
Danny Says
1st
East Coast will be looking to pick up where they left off after a three-peat (2009-11) in the AFL Sydney Premier Division competition before graduating their senior side to the NEAFL. Most will be expecting them to take out the title this year with Manly-Warringah posing the greatest challenge. They have a strong list with marquee players in key positions and a good system promoting junior talent from within. Premiers.
Last Modified on 09/04/2015 15:59
