West Coast Eagles 2023 AFL Preview & Prediction

<p>Injuries plus an ageing squad, equaled a dismal campaign for the West Coast Eagles last season, that ultimately culminated in a 17th placed finish.</p> <p>West Coast haven’t pulled the trigger on a club-wide cleanout as many were expecting. Instead, they’ve opted to persist with the current crop of players at their disposal, hoping players returning from injury, such as Oscar Allen and Elliot Yeo, will act as new signings.</p> <p>After a season that yielded just two wins, there are doubts over just how much of a difference these returning stars can make and if they can continue to stay injury free.</p> <p>Will the Eagles persistence pay off? Or should they have hit the self-destruct button, blown the whole thing up and started again?</p> <p>Our preview below is the place to find all the best West Coast Eagles’ tips and predictions for season 2023.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Key Gains</h2> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Jordyn Baker (Category B rookie)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Harry Barnett (No.23 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Coby Burgiel (No.29 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Tyrell Dewar (Category B rookie)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Reuben Ginbey (No.9 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Elijah Hewett (No.14 draft pick)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Jayden Hunt (Melbourne Demons)</strong></em></p> <p><strong><em>Noah Long (No.58 draft pick)&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>As previously mentioned, there haven’t been any ground-breaking moves in the offseason from the Eagles.</p> <p>They’ve picked up a number of different draft picks as is standard procedure, with ex-Demon and free agent Jayden Hunt the only new recruit who should crack Adam Simpson’s best 22.</p> <p>The 27-year-old defender who can also play on the wing if called upon, should add some much-needed zip to the Eagles defence.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>Key Losses</h2> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><em><strong>Hugh Dixon (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Tom Joyce (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Josh Kennedy (Retired)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Zac Langdon (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Patrick Naish (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Jackson Nelson (Delisted)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Jack Redden (Retired)</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Junior Rioli (Port Adelaide)</strong></em></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>The biggest loss for West Coast ahead of the new season is undoubtedly Josh Kennedy.</p> <p>The 35-year-old is the second legendary player named Josh Kennedy to hang up the boots before the 2023 campaign, joining his Sydney Swans namesake in retirement.</p> <p>Widely regarded as one of the best key forwards of his generation, Kennedy kicked over 700 goals for the Eagles after joining from Carlton in 2008.</p> <p>His influence, experience and prowess in front of the sticks will be sorely missed by his team, but how they proceed without his services will make for interesting viewing.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2>Player To Watch</h2> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>Elliot Yeo</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Luckless on the injury front, but a true warrior when on the field, versatile midfielder Elliot Yeo will be hoping to put his injury troubles behind him and soar to new heights in 2023.</p> <p>When fully fit there are few midfielders who can rival his overhead ability, ball-winning prowess and defensive pressure.</p> <p>Unfortunately the dual All-Australian was limited to just five appearances last term due to calf and hamstring injuries which he couldn’t shake.</p> <p>Now fully fit and with an impressive pre-season under his belt, Yeo is all set to make his long-awaited return to West Coast’s midfield providing a massive boost for the struggling Eagles.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>West Coast Eagles’ Season Prediction</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Predicted finish: <strong>15th</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Many believe Adam Simpson has got the toughest job in football this season and it’s not hard to see why.</p> <p>His side were a whisker away from collecting the wooden spoon last year and there has been no major cleanout or hard reset.</p> <p>The premiership winning coaching clearly believes his current squad possesses enough talent to get out of the predicament they find themselves in.</p> <p>This persistence with the current crop of players is not as foolish as it seems at first glance. Yes, they were beyond awful last year, but so was their injury record.</p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2>West Coast Eagles’ Best 22</h2> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>B: </strong>Liam Duggan, Tom Barrass, Rhett Bazzo&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>HB: </strong>Jayden Hunt, Jeremy McGovern, Shannon Hurn &nbsp;</p> <p><strong>C: </strong>Andrew Gaff, Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed</p> <p><strong>HF: </strong>Jamie Cripps, Oscar Allen, Jack Petruccelle</p> <p><strong>F: </strong>Liam Ryan, Jack Darling, Jake Waterman&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Foll: </strong>Nic Naitanui, Tim Kelly, Luke Shuey&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>I/C: </strong>Tom Cole, Campbell Chesser, Brady Hough, Jai Culley&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>