West Coast's 2022 review: The Hope, the Hurt and the Clanger

West Coast's season was one of pain and turmoil, as the club slumped to its worst placing since 1987, finishing 17th in the AFL.

Riddled by COVID-19 complications and a long injury list, it seemed the Eagles were doomed from the beginning and would reach nowhere near their expected heights.

The club managed to narrowly avoid receiving their second wooden spoon and had very little highlights from their 2022 campaign.

Throughout the entire season, the Eagles used a total of 47 players, which is the most across one season in the AFL era.

All clubs were given access to top-up players in case their club were decimated by the lingering virus, a ruling that Gillon McLachlan hoped would not come into use.

After their disappointing loss to Gold Coast in front of a home crowd to open the season, we saw the impact of COVID-19 at its full capacity.

Twelve players were withdrawn from the round two North Melbourne clash due to health and safety protocols, including some of their stars.

The club was in disarray and relied on top up players to fill the roles in a never seen before circumstance.

West Coast would only see some respite in round four when facing Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.

Welcoming back key figures, the Eagles smelt an upset and managed to take down the black-and-white in impressive form, with hindsight suggesting the victory was more significant than we first thought.

From then on, it was a tough and gruesome battle as thrashings came thick and fast.

The Eagles lost seven games in a row by 50 or more points between rounds five and 11.

At the bye (round 12), West Coast was 1-11 and on the bottom of the ladder with a percentage of 50.7.

The remainder of the season saw minor improvement but still immense struggles, with the club only able to steal one more victory against Essendon.

Eagles legend Josh Kennedy retired in round 21, despite kicking eight goals in his last game.

As one of the older clubs in the competition, West Coast will have to look at developing some of their younger talent into leadership roles, with the ageing Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey and Jeremy McGovern all over 30 years old.

The Hope

New year, new me

The Eagles are hoping to put 2022 behind them and look toward the future.

Being completely decimated including missing players and Adam Simpson at one stage, 2022 has an asterisk next to it and the proud club would hope to never repeat the season again.

With stars on every line including, McGovern, Tom Barrass, Tim Kelly, Liam Duggan, Liam Ryan, Jack Darling and the emerging Oscar Allen, Simpson has enough to work with to get the club up from the canvas.

Despite being the third oldest side (25 years) behind Geelong and Richmond, the Eagles have the ability to use their experienced players to help steer the ship to clearer waters.

Although Luke Shuey will lead the club in 2023, the Eagles could look upon Duggan, Barrass or Tom Cole as future captains of the side.

As bad as 2022 was, the club needs to put the past in the review mirror and look at getting ready for 2023.

Oscar Allen

Josh Kennedy's untimely retirement in the midst of struggles is upsetting for footy fans but has left a hole in the forward line.

Or so we think.

Oscar Allen is a direct replacement for the star goal kicker and at just 23 years of age, has plenty of good football ahead of him.

Allen has already shown glimpses in his 59-game career and will now consume the bulk of  responsibility for the future.

Unfortunately, the pick 21 in the 2017 National Draft didn't take the field in 2022, following a nagging foot injury.

However, allowing himself time to get right both physically and mentally can only be a good thing for the Eagles and a worry for opposition.

The Hurt

Josh Kennedy's retirement

One door opens, another one closes. 

As the excitement builds for the return of Allen and his potential going forward, it is however met with a bittersweet feeling.

Leading West Coast goal kicker Josh Kennedy's retirement would sting, especially given the famous trade he was involved in.

In 2008, West Coast traded Chris Judd to Carlton for pick 3, 20 and Josh Kennedy.

Who won the trade? pic.twitter.com/7pHZIZm4HJ

— 7AFL (@7AFL) November 4, 2020

What would ensue from then on was 723 goals from 271 games, 2018 premiership, two-time Coleman Medalist (2015, 2016) and three-time All-Australian (2015, 2016, 2017).

Fittingly, in his last match, Kennedy kicked eight goals in a dominant performance that left the crowd in awe of his tremendous talent.

Although the Crows spoiled the farewell game, the Eagles legend left with his head held high.

Tim Kelly vs St Kilda 

Tim Kelly came across from Geelong at the end of 2019 as an All-Australian for picks 14, 24, 37 and a future first rounder.

Arguably overs for a player who began his career in the AFL in 2018 at the age of 24, Kelly seemed like a prized possession.

However, the former Cat has struggled to create any consistency in his time at the Eagles and his worst performance of his life came in 2022.

Round 19 against the Saints, Kelly was put to the test by young tagger Marcus Windhager.

Leaving Optus Stadium on that Sunday afternoon, the 28-year-old had gathered a measly four touches from 84 per cent game time.

With the club reportedly paying $800,000-$900,000, according to the Herald Sun, the fans would expect better.

The Clanger

COVID-19 still hurting

Generally, clubs will use anywhere between 30-35 players in a given season as the lower the number indicates continuity and consistency.

This stat is highlighted by Melbourne's tally of 33, as well as Geelong and Sydney's 35 players used.

West Coast relied on 47 players to don their guernsey and felt the full brunt of the aftermath of COVID-19 that disrupted two AFL seasons.

2020 and 2021 saw games postponed and clubs moved from their home states and enter hubs to ensure the game continued.

Unfortunately for West Coast, they were essentially the only team subject to such an influence by the virus, which left the AFL's hands tied as they couldn't do much to assist them.

Cross-town rivals Fremantle managed to keep the number to 35, more than half a team less than the Eagles.

What does West Coast need?

As proven by their lack of success in 2022 and their win/loss record, they need depth.

Fortunately for the Eagles, they could go to the draft with a relatively strong hand and will need to add midfield depth.

Luke Shuey, Jack Redden, Elliot Yeo and Andrew Gaff won't be around forever and will need successors to take their place.

West Coast's strength is their key position players at this current time, so surrounding some young talent alongside the experience of McGovern, Hurn, Darling will only benefit the Eagles' future.

Players linked to the club

Speculation continues to grow over Luke Jackson's playing future and whether he makes the trip back home to Western Australia.

Fremantle have been linked with the 2021 Rising Star Winner this whole time but a deal may be struggled to be brokered with Melbourne.

Although extremely unlikely, West Coast could swoop in with a Hail Mary offer and deny the Dockers.

Eagles Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett believes that this could be a real possibility.

2022 Out-of-contract players

Retirees and Delistings