FootyGoss :: All the Latest AFL and WAFL Breaking News

Eagles slump at worst possible time

By Mr Dandalooa

West Coast Eagles John Worsfold has reviewed the coaching structure of the club and decided changes were necessary as the club plans to work its way up the premiership table.

Defensive coach Daniel Metropolis and development coach Michael Broadbridge are the first to go in what is expected to be a tumultuous few years for the wooden spooners.

The Eagles camp said they will not be offered contract extensions after the 2010 season has been completed.

“Daniel and Michael have been solid contributors for this football club over the last few years,” Worsfold said.

“I would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them every success in the future.”

Broadbridge said he was surprised and disappointed with the club’s position regarding his employment.

“I was informed this morning that my contract will not be extended at the West Coast Eagles Football Club,” he said.

“Unlike other members of the coaching staff, I was not contracted beyond this season.

Since my appointment to the football club in November 2007, I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from management and players about my performance.

“I wish the club every success.”

The Eagles are out of form at the worst possible time.

Gold Coast’s team has the nine first-round selections in the draft - including the top three picks - as it looks to enter the AFL competition in 2011.

It looks unlikely after the Eagles secured the wooden spoon gong over the weekend that the club will be in premiership contention over the next three years, as suggested by Worsfold.

But it appears the coach is in denial about just how bad his team is.

Worsfold said he was pleased with what he saw on Sunday from his younger players, as well as seniors Andrew Embley and Dean Cox.

He said he was “fairly happy with how the players went about it”.

“Our two older players stood up really well and really tried to lead the way for the kids, and I thought the kids got in behind them and had a real crack,” he said.

“I think we had seven players with less than 10 games’ [experience] today, so they’re not seasoned players yet, they’re developing players, and that has a massive impact on your side.

“I don’t know if any side could have fielded a side like that this year.”