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Eagles nest in reshuffle

By Mr Dandalooa

Despite mounting speculation his career was on thin ice, it seems Ashley Hansen has been given an olive branch by coach John Worsfold.

Reports have emerged today that Woosha reckons 26-year-old Hansen is still required at the club.

And the coach said there is room for Brent Staker too.

There have been reports that the two players will be used as trade bait, with Staker having played just six matches this season because of a series of hand injuries.

But Woosha said the 25-year-old remained an integral part of his future plans.

The coach said he was just starting to reach maturity as a player, and that he would aim to make him as a midfielder.

David Wirrpanda is expected to announce his retirement this week, with Woosha conceding that he would not try to persuade him otherwise if he decides to do so.

The 30-year-old missed just four games this season, averaging almost 20 possessions a match while kicking 11 goals.

Since his debut in 1996, the all-Australian sweeping defender racked up 227 games and became a prominent indigenous leader through his charity, the David Wirrpanda Foundation, which he launched four years ago.

Wirrpanda pulled out of Friday night’s season clash against Richmond at Subiaco because his partner went into labour.