Eagles produce miraculous escape against Cats
Ladder-leaders West Coast produced one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the game as it came from nine goals down to beat Geelong by three points in the round 10 AFL clash at Kardinia Park this afternoon.

Trailing by 54 points midway through the third quarter, the Eagles turned it on to kick 12 of the last 15 goals of the match to post a thrilling 16.5 (101) to 15.8 (9 win over the Cats, whose season is all but over after being touted as an early premiership favourite.

Despite the best efforts of Cameron Mooney (17 touches, three goals) and Joel Corey (36 touches, five tackles), the Cats slumped to their seventh loss of the season, and the players were visibly shattered after the siren.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said he was stunned by his team's second half fadeout and was at a loss to explain the defeat.

"We played the best footy in the first two-and-a-half quarters that we have for a long time so I was really pleased with that," he said.

"I spoke to them at half-time, all positive, and said OK we put ourselves in the position doing these things, lets just keep doing it.

"We weren't able to."

Missing inspirational captain Chris Judd through injury, the Eagles looked listless early on as the Cats shot to a 39-point half-time lead in front of a jubilant home crowd keen to see the Cats get their season back on track after six losses from their past seven outings.

The home side looked to have wrapped up the game as they went nine goals clear in the third quarter, but the Eagles stepped it up a gear as midfielders Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr spearheaded a memorable comeback.

The duo were simply awesome in the final term, both recording 31 touches and a goal for the match to inspire the team in the absence of Judd and lift the side to its first win at Kardinia Park since 1999.

Geelong looked a completely different side early on as it opened up a commanding 39-point lead at half-time.

The Cats stunned the Eagles in the first quarter, kicking seven goals to two with the wind at their backs, and then held the visitors to two goals in the second term while kicking three of their own.

Paul Chapman, Steve Johnson and Mooney all bagged first-half doubles for the Cats, while Corey had a mountain of possession with 21 disposals.

The Eagles missed Judd's presence in the midfield, with only Kerr (12 touches) and David Wirrpanda (15 touches) exerting any influence on the match.

The Cats continued their dominance after the break with the first two goals of the quarter, before Eagles ruckman Dean Cox kick-started the amazing sequence of goals for the Eagles, who clawed their back to within 36 points at the final change.

Tom Harley's loss was particularly telling for the Cats, who saw the Eagles dominate up forward after his departure as they kicked the first six goals of the final term.

Fittingly it was a brilliant goal from Kerr that gave the Eagles the lead, kicking truly from a set-shot from a tight angle in the right pocket to complete a 10-goal turnaround with eight minutes on the clock.

Despite a neat banana kick from Nathan Ablett that gave the Cats the lead once more just two minutes later, Adam Hunter sealed the win for West Coast with a running goal three minutes from time.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200606/s1654550.htm

That was a good game, almost as good as watching the Crows last night.

im not a big eagles fan but that was a gr8 match gotta admit eagles pretty good team

Quoted from Paula

That was a good game, almost as good as watching the Crows last night.

That must have been a great game for Crows fans, pretty boring for the rest of us, the Crows won sooooooooo easily....

I did'nt like the Final Quarter one but, the Eagles should've stayed behind 54 Points down at Three Quarter Time and Geelong Would've won and if only if it has Rained During the Match, Geelong Could've won easily.

Quoted from Jellyman32000

I did'nt like the Final Quarter one but, the Eagles should've stayed behind 54 Points down at Three Quarter Time and Geelong Would've won and if only if it has Rained During the Match, Geelong Could've won easily.

its all a big if  hehe,  

West Coast just pulled off another miraculous escape against Carlton today, they were 44 points down at one stage. I very nearly turned the Tele off in the last quarter, glad I didnt.   You have to give them credit, they never know when to lie down.

and they continued that persistence into the Preliminary Finals!

I'm for the Crows right now. Go SA

This time they only just hung on.  Good game though!

I agree totally Giz. I watched every moment and was disgusted by the wallowing self indulgent self pity by some of the Swans players and the sheer and utter disregard for the children handing out the medals by some players in the West Coast Eagles team. These darling little kids stood and waited to hand the medals to their heroes only to be dismissed as almost invisible by some players. The more self focused, ego driven, players for the Eagles were the one's who were dismissive of these kids. Unable to hold off with punching the air and raising their arms in triumph. Unable to take one second to acknowledge the kids who were their fans with a handshake and/or a pat on the head, back or shoulder. Such a shame!
Congratulations to the Eagles for winning such a nail biting game and commiserations to the Swannies. Losing by one point in such a closely fought grand final is nothing to be ashamed of.

Wirrpanda apologetic about snubbing children

West Coast defender David Wirrpanda says he is embarrassed he and some of his team-mates failed to shake the hands of the children who presented them with their AFL premiership medals.

Several Eagles, including Wirrpanda, have been criticised for failing to acknowledge the children during the post-grand final presentation at the MCG following the one-point win over Sydney.

Wirrpanda said that after seeing the footage of the presentation he was disappointed with himself.

"I've just seen the footage this morning, I didn't realise," he said.

"I'll be going out of my way to do what I can, whether it's sending a signed jumper or getting the family over and having dinner or whatever.

"The aura of the stadium and the pressure is just coming down and realising what we've just achieved, that's the only thing that's kind of bouncing around in your mind."

Wirrpanda said he was apologetic if people were offended by the behaviour of the Eagles.

"It's something that I'll make up to those young kids and hopefully the public over in Melbourne and the rest of the country don't look at it the wrong way," he said.

"If I had my time over again I'd cuddle the whole lot of them."

The Eagles have also drawn criticism as a result of two players swearing during post-match television interviews.


http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200610/s1753819.htm

I hear that the WCE are looking to change their name to the West Coast Turkeys.  Following their lacklustre performance against the mighty Lions yesterday, calling themselves turkeys would still be a bit ambitious.

I'm sorry lawnbowler, I know the feeling.

Eagles not expecting penalties

The West Coast Eagles do not expect to receive sanctions when they meet with the AFL Commission in Melbourne today.

The Eagles management and team leaders will be asked to explain the recent off field indiscretions by several players at the club.

Eagles coach John Worsfold says his club has learnt from its mistakes.

"The club is still extremely well run and very, very strong and will be better and stronger, both off the field and with player behaviour on and off the field in the future," he said.

Worsfold said he is looking forward to a frank discussion.

"You'd like to be able to answer the AFL's questions adequately, certainly to their expectation, which I think we can do," he said.

"And if there's areas we're short, we'll we're looking forward to their advice on how we can get better."

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1909114.htm

Cousins to escape AFL punishment

The AFL has announced it will not be punishing troubled West Coast Eagles star Ben Cousins on his return from drug rehabilitation in the United States.

Cousins is expected to return within the next fortnight, but the timing of his return to the football field has not been confirmed by club management.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has told Southern Cross radio the AFL's medical officers must clear Cousins before he can play again, but no sanctions will be imposed.


http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1907871.htm

Weak as water...

Quoted Text

In this afternoon's other round nine AFL fixture, Hawthorn tore away from defending premiers West Coast to win 15.9 (99) to 8.16 (64) at Aurora Stadium.

there goes my chance of 8/8 in the footy tipping comp.

http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200705/s1934135.htm

Oh well the Eagles cant win them all. I tipped them to and got 5/8 this week. I cant wait for Cousins to return to West Coast, although I bet all those who bag out the eagles (and I know there are alot of them, especially Freo supporters) hope he doesnt return this season, or at all for that matter. Im also getting sick of biased commentators too.   Anyways go da Weagles  

Whoo Juddy got off, sure fav to win the brownlow again

Good win yesterday!  Kept my head above water in the footy pools.

That was my worst tipping round yet, 2/8. I still tipped West Coast though

NOOOOOOO, cant believe WC lost last night against Essendon and by only 1 point, I feel like a dagger went through my heart. The Bombers WERE my second fav team, they arent any more.

aarrggg  

what a nail biter, I was literally ripping out my hair and biting my nails off. Cant believe the Eagles went down. I will not get to bed easy tonight. The upside is that has to be the BEST game of the season if not EVER. Now I am backing Geelong all the way. Time for The Eagles to regroup for their year of 2008. Go the Cats to win the flag, and (expletive deleted - Paula) Collingwood

Judd to leave Eagles

West Coast Eagles captain Chris Judd has decided to turn his back on the 2006 AFL premiers and return to his home state of Victoria.

The Eagles were keen to extend Judd's contract with the club but the 2004 Brownlow medalist wants to play with a Melbourne-based AFL club.

Judd met with West Coast coach John Worsfold this morning to inform him of his decision, just two days after the Eagles were eliminated from the finals series by Collingwood.

A formal announcement is due to be made at a press conference in Perth on Monday morning.

Judd's manager Paul Connors said his client was leaving the Eagles for a number of reasons.

"In short it's really for family and friends and he's had six wonderful years at the Eagles but really it's time for him to head home," he said.

Judd will consult a Melbourne surgeon on Thursday about his groin injury, which restricted him during the second half of the season.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/16/2034144.htm

I am pretty sure it is quite unheard of for the captain of a premiership team to abandon them, I mean I know he misses his family but thats what holidays are for.

I hope he gets traded to Carlton, and ive heard a first round draft pick along with Fevola could be a possibility. West Coast need goal kickers and I think Fev would be an excellent addition.

I dont want to comment on things I dont know the full deatils of, but Ben Cousin's latest charges are a huge dissapointment. Unfortunately I feel this is the end for Cousins at West Coast.

Cousins to face court over drug charge

West Coast Eagles midfielder Ben Cousins has been charged with a drug offence and failing to participate in drug testing, including providing a blood sample, after he was arrested in Perth.

Police say Cousins came to their attention because of his driving and he was pulled over in the inner-city suburb of Northbridge this afternoon.

Officers searched his vehicle for more than an hour and it is alleged they found a quantity of drugs.

He was taken into custody and questioned for several hours before being charged with possessing a prohibited drug.

Police further allege Cousins refused to participate in drug testing including providing a blood sample for analysis.

The 29-year-old has been released on bail and is due to appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Teammate Daniel Chick has also been questioned by police.

A statement from the West Coast Eagles say the club is not in a position to comment.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/16/2061440.htm

Quoted Text

Unfortunately I feel this is the end for Cousins at West Coast.

I'd say good riddance; he's abused people's trust and deserves to be fired.

What a waste of money:
*On his rehabilitation (hahahahah)
*On his contract and his payments for playing aussie rules.

What an idiot. When I heard about his mate Chris Mainwaring dying from an apparent illegal drug overdose I was very suspicious that Cousin's had something to do with the drugs.

Quoted Text

Cousins, who is battling drug addiction, checked on Mainwaring just hours before the former club champion died - apparently after taking ecstasy.

from the Obituaries thread, post number 213.
Obviously Cousin's was not really battling anything, he was and is merrily addicted!! To me, Cousin's is no better than any other addict. He enjoyed an expensive holiday in California and was mollycoddled by his Team. Great lot of good that did!

West Coast sacks Cousins

It has been confirmed that the West Coast Eagles have sacked Brownlow medallist and former captain Ben Cousins after his arrest in Perth yesterday.

Cousins was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and refusing a driver assessment after police stopped and searched his car in Perth yesterday.

It is the latest in a string of off-field incidents.

Cousins was suspended by the club earlier this year and has undergone rehabilitation for a substance abuse problem.

The club's board and lawyers have spent the day in meetings to determine the 29-year-old's future.

West Coast Chairman-elect Mark Barnaba says the club had no choice but to terminate Cousins' contract.

"He has seriously breached the conditions and spirit of his revised contract under which he returned to the club several months ago," he said.

"While those conditions were private and confidential, Ben was aware of them and the incident yesterday left us with no alternative but to act in this manner."

Mr Barnaba said he had been unable to contact Cousins directly but had informed Cousins' father Bryan of the club's decision.

The AFL says it supports the club's decision to delist Cousins.

Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou says Cousins will no longer be part of the AFL competition and needs to concentrate on regaining his health and getting his life in order.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/17/2062437.htm

The 'drugs' he was on were actually something similar to vallium, a relaxant prescribed to him. That said I am not defending him just putting out the facts. As good a player Ben is, he has been given too many chances and dragged The Eagles through the mud doing so. I cant say I was surprised he was sacked but it will be interesting to see The AFL's reaction tomorrow, The ramifications (if any for WC) and if they will ban Cousins from AFL and therefore unable to play for another team.

ALL CHARGES DROPPED

What a massive f*** up on the West Australian Police part, theyve fucked up an entire career over baseless charges. I know The Eagles said they will not reinstate him, but come on......... If they dont take him back I guarantee you he will be snapped up in seconds.

Dockers won't rule out recruiting Ben Cousins

October 30, 2007 12:00am
WITH the late-night behaviour of West Coast players again under scrutiny, Fremantle has left the door ajar for disgraced Eagle Ben Cousins.

West Coast was forced yesterday to hose down reports of a punch-up between vice-captain Andrew Embley and midfield superstar Daniel Kerr.

No sooner was Cousins out of the country for his continued rehabilitation program in the US than Perth's jungle drums began beating again, this time about two Eagles teammates allegedly squaring off in the car park of a city nightspot in the early hours of Sunday morning.

WA Police confirmed they had been called to an incident outside the Niche bar, but by the time officers had arrived any trouble had dissipated.

The news came on the day Dockers coach Mark Harvey refused to rule out the possibility of taking Cousins should he nominate for the pre-season draft.

"What's got to happen with Ben Cousins, and every club is in the same position, (is) the AFL actually has to give him the OK to go in the draft," Harvey said.

"Nobody knows that yet, so it's not even relevant to answer the question really.

"That's OK (for other clubs to rule him out). That's their prerogative. But just let us see what happens to Ben, whether the AFL do let him play."

Cousins' football career appeared over after he was sacked by West Coast two weeks ago for repeated breaches of the club's rules of conduct, the final straw a charge of possessing the prohibited drug diazepam.

Although that charge was later dropped by police, Cousins is due in court on January 21 for refusing to comply with a driver assessment test.

As he left the country last week, Cousins said he was keen to resume his 238-game career and get back into training.

For that to happen, the AFL Commission, in its meeting on November 19, will have to give Cousins the green light to nominate for the national and pre-season draft.

But yesterday the attention had switched to two of Cousins' 2006 premiership teammates. After local radio stations began reporting that Embley was one of those involved, the Eagles vigorously denied any wrongdoing by their players.

"As far as we are concerned the players have done nothing wrong. They are on leave, and they were out at the pub," an Eagles spokesman said.

"It was light-hearted byplay . . . a bit of push and shove . . . and suddenly it has become a big thing."

Kerr and Embley are no strangers to controversy.

Embley and teammate Daniel Chick were involved in a brawl over Cousins around the time of his suspension from the club in March.

Kerr was caught up in his own troubles, arrested twice over separate assault allegations.

Those scandals forced the Eagles to fine Kerr $10,000, impose a $20,000 suspended fine and warn the star any more incidents could result in suspension.AAP

If he were to play for another team, I hope it would be Freo, though he has a pretty tense relationship with alot of the players