Priddis is still valuable, say AFL Eagles
Jul 4, 2017 - 8:26 AM West Coast star Luke Shuey is adamant the midfield pairing of Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell isn't holding the team back.Critics have questioned whether the combination of Priddis and Mitchell may have become a liability because of their lack of speed.
The drop in output of Priddis has been of particular concern.
The 2014 Brownlow medallist tallied just 17 disposals in his most recent outing, and he has failed to crack the 30-disposal mark in his past seven matches.
It's been reported Priddis has been nursing a back injury in recent times, and the 32-year-old missed last week's win over the Bulldogs with soreness.
Mitchell, 34, has been a strong contributor in his first season at the Eagles, averaging 27 disposals a game.
The recent hot form of Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo, Andrew Gaff, Lewis Jetta and Shuey has boosted the potency of West Coast's midfield.
And it's also led to questions about whether the Eagles need to put both Priddis and Mitchell in the midfield.
However, Shuey is adamant the two veterans are still valuable commodities.
"There's definitely room for both of them," Shuey said on Tuesday.
"As similar as they are, they do bring their own strengths.
"They're both Brownlow medallists, champions of the game in their own right.
"And I know as a younger player, you walk a little bit taller having both of those guys alongside you in the midfield.
"For the pace that Pridda lacks physically, he's extremely quick in the mind.
"And he's a lot smarter than a lot of other footballers. And same with Mitch.
"I don't think it's an issue."
Priddis is expected to return for Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium.
With Shannon Hurn (concussion), Josh Kennedy (calf), Mark LeCras (hip), Will Schofield (hip), Josh Hill (illness), Jackson Nelson (hamstring) and Scott Lycett also pushing for recalls, coach Adam Simpson faces some tough decisions on the selection front.
Shuey and Gaff helped launch the 13th instalment of the club's Dig Deep campaign, which raises money for Cancer Council WA.
Source: AAP
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