Hungry Eagles forwards crave more chances
May 15, 2017 - 5:30 PM West Coast's forward line is hungry, and coach Adam Simpson says it's time they get fed better.The Eagles are averaging just 49.9 inside-50s per game - the sixth worst in the league.
Two weeks ago when West Coast beat Port Adelaide, they lost the inside-50m count by a whopping 68-39.
But with the likes of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, and Mark LeCras lurking up forward, the Eagles have been able to kick winning scores in six of their eight games this season - despite losing the inside-50m count in most of those.
Simpson is happy at how efficient his forward line is, and how well his backline has coped with the influx of inside-50s from opposition teams.
But he says it's time to get a better balance.
"I'm not quite sure of the pattern yet. I'm still looking into it," Simpson told 6PR's Sportsday.
"Our last three games have been against sides who do deny you supply. It's good to know we can win a game without getting 50 inside-50s.
"But I think it's the next step for us to find the balance through the contest and get good supply for our forwards."
Kennedy had a rare wasteful game in last week's win over the Bulldogs, with the two-time Coleman medallist finishing with 3.6 to his name.
LeCras (0.3) also had an off night in front of goal.
Simpson is confident they are mere aberrations, and he's hoping for a more clinical display in Sunday's clash with the Bombers at Etihad Stadium.
Veteran Drew Petrie is available for selection after recovering from a broken hand, but the former Kangaroo may need to prove his fitness in the WAFL first before earning a senior call-up.
Source: AAP
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