southerncross
05-06-2007, 06:56 AM
Eade in two minds (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,21849725%255E19742,00.html)
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade last night stopped short of guaranteeing Luke Darcy's place in the side for Saturday night's clash with the Brisbane Lions.
Eade confirmed the form of the decorated ruckman was likely to be hotly debated at selection this week.
"He's probably more likely to play than not, but his name will certainly come into consideration for not being there," Eade said last night.
"I would think there will be some match committee members that will talk about him. We've got to consider where he's at and his form. The main priority is doing what's best for the team, whether it's Luke Darcy, Brad Johnson or a young player."
Darcy, who missed almost two seasons because of two knee reconstructions, is averaging fewer than 10 disposals in 10 games this year. He kicked four goals against Richmond in Round 4 and was important in the Round 8 win against Collingwood, but has struggled since.
Ruck option Will Minson was best for Werribee in the VFL on Saturday, but the Dogs are unsure if they will take extra ruck strength to Brisbane.
"We've got some decisions to make whether to take the three ruckmen in," said Eade, who emphasised Darcy was still a "best 22" player.
"One thing about Luke is he's a competitor. He's as diligent and hard-working as I've seen. In defence of Darce, it takes a lot more time than people think. People don't give much consideration to the fact he's missed two years continuous."
"It's got to do with confidence. The game's changed," Eade said. "His judgment's still out a bit with his marking. He's got a bit of work to do. He's shown some form at stages and shown he's certainly in our best 22."
Darcy, 31, has played 214 games for the Dogs, 12th on the club's all-time list. His leadership and experience have been valuable, but Darcy has managed only 11 goals this year when deep in the forward line.
Eade said the Dogs' poor delivery against Carlton on Sunday hadn't helped his cause.
The Darcy dilemma is one of several facing the Bulldogs match committee after the 10-point loss to the Blues. Matthew Robbins and Sam Power are under intense pressure to keep their spots. Robert Murphy will return from a hamstring injury and tall defenders Tom Williams and Andrejs Everitt are in serious contention.
Despite rumours emanating from Brisbane that Jason Akermanis may be forced to withdraw from his return to the Gabba because of injury, Eade said the former Lion would play. "He reported in this morning and he's fine," he said.
WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade last night stopped short of guaranteeing Luke Darcy's place in the side for Saturday night's clash with the Brisbane Lions.
Eade confirmed the form of the decorated ruckman was likely to be hotly debated at selection this week.
"He's probably more likely to play than not, but his name will certainly come into consideration for not being there," Eade said last night.
"I would think there will be some match committee members that will talk about him. We've got to consider where he's at and his form. The main priority is doing what's best for the team, whether it's Luke Darcy, Brad Johnson or a young player."
Darcy, who missed almost two seasons because of two knee reconstructions, is averaging fewer than 10 disposals in 10 games this year. He kicked four goals against Richmond in Round 4 and was important in the Round 8 win against Collingwood, but has struggled since.
Ruck option Will Minson was best for Werribee in the VFL on Saturday, but the Dogs are unsure if they will take extra ruck strength to Brisbane.
"We've got some decisions to make whether to take the three ruckmen in," said Eade, who emphasised Darcy was still a "best 22" player.
"One thing about Luke is he's a competitor. He's as diligent and hard-working as I've seen. In defence of Darce, it takes a lot more time than people think. People don't give much consideration to the fact he's missed two years continuous."
"It's got to do with confidence. The game's changed," Eade said. "His judgment's still out a bit with his marking. He's got a bit of work to do. He's shown some form at stages and shown he's certainly in our best 22."
Darcy, 31, has played 214 games for the Dogs, 12th on the club's all-time list. His leadership and experience have been valuable, but Darcy has managed only 11 goals this year when deep in the forward line.
Eade said the Dogs' poor delivery against Carlton on Sunday hadn't helped his cause.
The Darcy dilemma is one of several facing the Bulldogs match committee after the 10-point loss to the Blues. Matthew Robbins and Sam Power are under intense pressure to keep their spots. Robert Murphy will return from a hamstring injury and tall defenders Tom Williams and Andrejs Everitt are in serious contention.
Despite rumours emanating from Brisbane that Jason Akermanis may be forced to withdraw from his return to the Gabba because of injury, Eade said the former Lion would play. "He reported in this morning and he's fine," he said.