Eagleton - In 2007 is his spot is in jeopardy?

[mjp]

I think he is in a little bit of trouble. Can't (or hasn't) played back. Not much good as a forward. A couple of off-weeks could see Eagle land at Werribee if the midfield plays to potential and Higgins and Ray develop as expected. I guess my 'could be in trouble' comments are team balance related, more than a criticism of Eagle though, and I expect him to start the first game in the 18.

I say team balance as I believe Aker is a better footballer than Eagle. They are both forward of the play, running midfielders (though Aker has proven ability both forward and back). So is Ray. So is McMahon (though he has played back a lot in 2005/06). So (to a lesser extent) is Gia. I am not sure how many of those you can have in one team.

Personally, I think the club should have considered trading him at the end of last year, as whilst I think he still has good footy in him, doubt his value will ever be as high.

[LostDoggy]

If Eade's aim is to have the fastest, most versatile set of players possible, with the emphasis on versatility, then Eagle might not be in the best 22. His running through the lines and kicking make him a standout but others can do this nearly as well but can also play tall or elsewhere (eg Griffen, Gilbee). If Eade needs to / wants to rotate hard running players frequently, then I assume that means the players have to be able to play / adapt to different positions quickly and effectively. Each rotation to have an impact or repair a situation that isn't working. Constant confusion to the opposition through sheer speed and mind boggling changes that lose opposition players. Players who can do this will be of enormous value compared to those who are second string. We also appear to be tweaking our game plan to be more a little more defensive. I am not sure Eagle stacks up on these counts. He can be tagged out of a game and with his 2nd half of the season last year, I wonder if the hard running caught up with him. If Eagleton loses any pace during the year his value in a trade will be diminished.

[Mofra]

As an aside, the Cross 2006 review link from the Bulldogs website had a snippet of play from Eagleton in the first quarter against Collingwood.

Can anyone remember his first quarter stats? Something like 11 disposals & 3 goals.
Still has alot to offer, finds space and is one of the best kicks in the side. If we have so many other versatile players, he can stay on a wing - it's not like Farren Ray is being thrown all over the paddock either.

[Dry Rot]

Seems most here at least agreee that Eagle is at his best and basically plays one position/role.

Assuming he holds form and pace (not a given) then perhaps his fate lies not is his own performances but the degree of improvement in Ray, Higgins and perhaps Addison.

Also agree we could consider trading him.

[GVGjr]

There is no way I would consider trading him unless it was an over the odds offer.
He's a valuable player who has strung together a number of very good seasons. Yes he will be under some additional pressure this year and probably the next couple as well but his experience is an advantage for us.

[Go_Dogs]

I thought it might be interesting to look at this thread again and consider where Eagleton stands heading into the 2008 season.

I don't think his 2007 was as good as he would have liked, he played some good games however he lacked a bit of consistency that he had over 2004/5/6.

There are a few in line who could come in and take his spot in the side, and I feel he may be under a bit of pressure to retain his spot this season. A lot of it obviously depends on how the younger kids come on again, and what value the coaching staff think Eagleton will give.

Thoughts?

[Mantis]

I am not a huge Eagleton fan so my views are probably weighted against his value to the team, but even the most passive fan would have to agree with BR's thoughts.

I too am hoping that a few of our younger players will be able to overtake Nathan through the pre-season and fill the type of role he has filled for us in the past. I still think Nathan deserves to be on this list, but more for a back up role rather than a starting 22 posistion, maybe similiar to what Robbins was able to do this past season.

[westdog54]

I am not a huge Eagleton fan so my views are probably weighted against his value to the team, but even the most passive fan would have to agree with BR's thoughts.

I too am hoping that a few of our younger players will be able to overtake Nathan through the pre-season and fill the type of role he has filled for us in the past. I still think Nathan deserves to be on this list, but more for a back up role rather than a starting 22 posistion, maybe similiar to what Robbins was able to do this past season.

I'm a big fan of Nathan Eagleton's, but as it stands at the moment he is probably about 20-21 of our best 22. That's before a ball is bounced in the pre-season and the draftees and younger developing players get a chance to show what they've made of, or Farren Ray gets a chance to step up and really cement his spot.

As big a fan as I am of Nathan's, as it stands at the moment, he's in strife.

[The Underdog]

I think his upside is tremendous. His ability to finish hasn't diminished and he provides an element to our game that not many others can provide.
However, if I have one criticism of Eags it's that he too often switches off and stops doing the defensive stuff. When he's really on he'll tackle and chase, but if he isn't doing this then he becomes a liability as his opponent finds too much space and Eags tends to hang forward. He'll never be a big guy or a strong physical presence but can still provide pressure. He's not the only one to be guilty of this and I think the end of this year proved what a difference desire to do the team things can make. If Eags is firing on all cylinders then I think he's still a valuable part of our team. Hopefully the fight for positions will be tougher all around this year.

[Palace03]

That gut running that he is known for seemed to fade away late in the season, and with that he won less ball. To stay in the 22 in 2008 Eags will have to lift his workrate back to where it was in 2006. He is one of the best finishes in the side, and still holds some value, but if he can't re-produce that run he will be in huge trouble come the end of 2008.

[GVGjr]

That gut running that he is known for seemed to fade away late in the season, and with that he won less ball. To stay in the 22 in 2008 Eags will have to lift his workrate back to where it was in 2006. He is one of the best finishes in the side, and still holds some value, but if he can't re-produce that run he will be in huge trouble come the end of 2008.

I know what everyone is saying but he just has the habbit of proving people wrong. I'm cautious about what he might be able to offer but currently I'd still have him in my 22.
This could change once guys like Callan and Addison have a good chance to impress.

[Sockeye Salmon]

ATM he's no 23 in my ratings. Of course we will have at least 1 injury every game so he'll be in.

If someone like Stack, Hill or Ward really step up and demand a game Eagle would be looking anxiously over his shoulder.

[Mantis]

ATM he's no 23 in my ratings. Of course we will have at least 1 injury every game so he'll be in.

If someone like Stack, Hill or Ward really step up and demand a game Eagle would be looking anxiously over his shoulder.

How do you rate the players? 1= best and so on.

If so this system may be a little flawed as you may have Hudson at 10 and Minson, Street outside the top 25, but in reality we will play 2 ruckman. Ranking the players this way doesn't take into account team balance.

[DOG GOD]

I wouldnt have him in my 22. He has NO defensive side. Doesnt run straight at the ball, runs around it to pick it up. Cant lay a tackle,and can be indecisive going fwd.

If he couldnt kick 50+ on his raking left foot he wouldnt play much this year for me.

[Bulldog Revolution]

I wouldnt have him in my 22. He has NO defensive side. Doesnt run straight at the ball, runs around it to pick it up. Cant lay a tackle,and can be indecisive going fwd.

If he couldnt kick 50+ on his raking left foot he wouldnt play much this year for me.

I dont think thats a fair assessment. Fair enough if you dont like him, but IMO he certainly runs straight at the ball and is in fact more courageuous than given credit for. I dont think he has no defensive side, but its probably not the main part of his game.

The thing for me is that until Ray, Higgins, Harbrow or Addison etc really step up claim that spot on the wing then he will be in the mix. And whilst Rays defensive side has improved, Higgins is still non existent. Its really up to that mix of players to take it, but they haven't proven they are up to it yet, and they've had opportunities.