With the news coming in overnight that Oscar Allen is suffering from bone bruising and set for two months off the park, Eagles fans will once again speculate on the condition of Mineral Resources Park.
For those unacquainted with the conspiracy theory, their training ground is allegedly cursed, a la Pet Sematary style. Even Eagles superfan, Ernie Dingo, believes the club has angered the spirits with embellishments to indigenous art.
But is West Coast living in a Stephen King novel where curses and evil can literally inhabit a space, or is the culprit to their woes attributed to something much more simple?
I get it, West Coast fans – we are “bad news” fatigued and desperate for some light at the end of the tunnel. It’s okay. I am about to give you some – I believe their injury problems are trending in a positive direction, despite the news about Oscar Allen, and will only continue to get better. Yes, I know this may seem counterintuitive to recent news and possibly quite mad, but hear me out.
The ground is not the problem
Yes, it is easy to blame Mineral Resources Park for injuries, but if you dig a little deeper into it, the argument starts to get a little shaky, just like the hammies of Luke Shuey (sorry Boots, I love you).
For one, it has been reported by the club that Mineral Resources Park is tested weekly. While I will concede perhaps the playing surface isn’t perfect, a testing regiment this thorough would surely bring any major issues to the surface (pun intended).
Secondly, if the ground was truly the problem, we would also see a massive injury toll to the AFLW team, who not only train there, but also play on the ground every fortnight. Yes, they do have injuries, but they are nowhere near the crisis level the men’s team had last year.
Thirdly and finally, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that injuries have been befalling players whose training ethic and discipline have been questionable, or have been getting a bit long in the tooth. Let’s look at a few examples:
Liam Ryan
I’ve long suspected that Liam Ryan might have slacked off in the training department after his first few years at the club 2018-20). Since that period, he’s barely been sighted on the pitch. This year, he was barely a week back into training before being sidelined for 3+ months. I really hope he gets it together, because the team and viewers need a Liam Ryan fit and firing and showing his talent on the field.
Dom Sheed
Mate, 2018 was great, but that happened over five years ago – you can’t keep resting on your laurels. At 28, Sheed theoretically has years left in his career, but the perception from the outside is he seems disinterested both on and off the field. Another one who has been unable to string together a season since I don’t know when. At his best, Sheed matches it with the best in the competition, but sadly we’ve not seen that for quite some time.
Shuey, Hurn and Nic Nat
Before you get stuck into me, I am not questioning the trio’s dedication at all. The recent retirees have been long campaigners for the club and have given everything they can to help it bring success.
Unfortunately, this is just an example of time catching up with them. Ironically, it was Hurn (36), three years senior to both Shuey and Nic Nat, who was the most durable out of the three. Despite injuries impeding the careers of both Shuey and Nic Nat, they both managed to suit up for over 200 games, which when you step back and look at it holistically, is a success. Thank you lads.
Fit guys get injured less
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that players who are the most fit have also had a great run with injury. I’m thinking of the likes of Waterman, Bailey Williams, Alex Witherden and Jayden Hunt. These are the players who have been lauded within the club as hard workers, which is often reflected on the field as well.
Despite how much I appreciate their effort, the problem is, however, these players are neither experienced nor the stars of the team, and those types of players are what West Coast needs on the field to start seeing on field success. We can already see the impact of a much fitter Yeo and McGovern are having on the group – we just need to see more of it.
There is hope
I believe the injury crisis we’ve seen over the past two and a half seasons is improving. Eagles went on the hunt in the off season and acquired a new High Performance Chief, Matthew Inness (Bulldogs) and a Fitness Boss (Paul Turk, Pies).
It’s going to take a couple of years before the new fitness regime really starts to pay dividends, but the small sample size this season has demonstrated that the tide is likely turning due to:
- A smaller injury list
- Greater availability and competition for selection
- Running out games better
After the resounding success of 2018, I think it’s fair to say that perhaps the club took their foot off the pedal and (I can’t believe I am about to say this) Kane Cornes might have had a point about standards slipping. I believe the club has finally acted and has started it back on the right course.
So yes, the Oscar Allen news is deflating, but don’t curl up into the fetal position quite just yet. West Coast will still be a hard watch on the field this year, but don’t give up hope. They’ll get better. There will be fewer thrashings, injuries, and eventually they’ll start winning games (and hopefully we can sing a song that isn’t shit).
West Coast are one of the most successful clubs in the competition. They know what it takes to succeed. They’ve picked themselves off the canvas before. They’ll do it again.
