Eagleton - In 2007 is his spot is in jeopardy?

[LostDoggy]

I really rate this guy because he has a great work ethic and generally uses the ball so well. The fact that so many supporters wrote him off when he first came to Doglands and the fact that he has been very good for at least three season now shows how he has turned things around.
Some of his kicking into the forward line in 2006 was very classy.

The question is with the emergence of Farren Ray and Ryan Griffen, the acquisition of Jason Akermanis and the class of Rob Murphy and Shaun Higgins around the forward line does Eagleton become an expendable player in 2007?

I currently have him in my best 18 but I think it wouldn't take much poor form for Eagle to struggle to hold his spot.
Does anyone else agree with this?

Competition for spots in the senior team is a health sign for any team however, normally there is also a few causalities.

[bulldogtragic]

Eagleton is like a few others like my man Sam Power.

Their best form warrants selection in the team week in and week out. So if Eagleton performs to standard he shouldn't worry too much. However if he strings 2 bad games together while a Power, Faulker, Addison or co string some good ones for the bees at the same time, then it could be different.

This level of competition is great, and the truely good platers will respond accordingly while those destined for delisting will drop their heads. BUt more specifically, Eagle on song is worth 30 touches and 3 goals a game plus inside 50 entries and goal assists. I hope he responds accordingly.

[alwaysadog]

The better the midfield gets the better Eagle will perform. He plays a critical carry and break them open, then dish it off or kick it yourself role. The busier we can keep defenders and the better we clear the ball from packs the more opportunities he will have.

His foot skills are sublime. Some exampl;es that come to mind are the time he put it on Robbos head between two defenders at one stage last year, then in another game he weighted a perfect pass to a Coon running into space towards goal and don't let's forget those long bombs.

I don't think he's in any trouble.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

The better the midfield gets the better Eagle will perform. He plays a critical carry and break them open, then dish it off or kick it yourself role. The busier we can keep defenders and the better we clear the ball from packs the more opportunities he will have.

His foot skills are sublime. Some exampl;es that come to mind are the time he put it on Robbos head between two defenders at one stage last year, then in another game he weighted a perfect pass to a Coon running into space towards goal and don't let's forget those long bombs.

I don't think he's in any trouble.

I couldn't of said it better myself.

Eagleton's got outstanding foot skills both over long and short range and he's an intelligent player, he finds plenty of pace and picks up plenty of possessions. He is lethal when he gets the ball and in the past two years has been tagged a number of times because of it.

He's in no trouble. Ray, Griffen & Higgins are improving and moving up the ranks but Eagleton is a damn good player and is a wing specialist. His form early on in the piece was breathtaking and as alwaysadog said, he's only going to look better in a stronger midfield. The likes of Aker, Higgins, Murphy & Hahn coming back in will only allow Eagleton to run wild and with Darcy and perhaps Doogs pondering in the forward line, Eagleton's gonna be laughing.

For mine, all players will have to perform or else they'll be dropped. The level of competition is sky high, so I don't think there's too many exceptions. If you have 3 bad games and The Bees are pushing hard, you'll be dropped. Simple as that.

[The Coon Dog]

Nah, he's safe, runs the lines, penetrates inside 50 & finishes off ever so well.

[Dry Rot]

I'm not an Eagle basher, but he could be in jeopardy soon, if not this season.

While I accept he may look better in a better team, he's pretty well at his peak. Ditto other possible midfielders like Acker and even Johnno. A number of our younger players, like Ray and Griffen are not.

Everyone who goes to training is banging on about how good Griffen, Higgins etc even McDougall are looking. If they're right, towards the end of the season you might expect Darcy, Murphy, Johnno, Hahn and McDougall to be fixtures in the forwardllne. Leaves one spot for a resting midfielder/crumber/Powwr etc

Likewise, you'd expect Harris, Morris, Gilbee, Hargrave and Wight (possibly) and Grant (most of the time) to be fixtures in the backline. Leaves at best one spot for McMahon and/or Griffin if needs be.

In the midfield, West and Cross (and Boyd?) are in and under players, and Griffin and Higgins possibly.

So Eagle, Ray, Acker, maybe Griffin, Guido and sometimes Johhno and McMahon will be competing for wing spots. When he's not going forward, Aker is a given, leaving one spot.

So I reckon if a few of the younger players begin to realise their potential, Eagle could be in trouble.

May not be in 2007 but certainly in 2008.

[Go_Dogs]

I couldn't of said it better myself.

Eagleton's got outstanding foot skills both over long and short range and he's an intelligent player, he finds plenty of pace and picks up plenty of possessions. He is lethal when he gets the ball and in the past two years has been tagged a number of times because of it.

He's in no trouble. Ray, Griffen & Higgins are improving and moving up the ranks but Eagleton is a damn good player and is a wing specialist. His form early on in the piece was breathtaking and as alwaysadog said, he's only going to look better in a stronger midfield. The likes of Aker, Higgins, Murphy & Hahn coming back in will only allow Eagleton to run wild and with Darcy and perhaps Doogs pondering in the forward line, Eagleton's gonna be laughing.

For mine, all players will have to perform or else they'll be dropped. The level of competition is sky high, so I don't think there's too many exceptions. If you have 3 bad games and The Bees are pushing hard, you'll be dropped. Simple as that.

Well summed up. A few people have suggested that Ray has over-taken Eagleton for the wing role, but he isn't close yet. Eagleton's long left footed goals and delivery should see him selected every week. He uses the ball so well, and with only 20 touches he can be so damaging.

[bulldogtragic]

Well summed up. A few people have suggested that Ray has over-taken Eagleton for the wing role, but he isn't close yet. Eagleton's long left footed goals and delivery should see him selected every week. He uses the ball so well, and with only 20 touches he can be so damaging.
Good points. While Ray is exciting and has enormous potential. A simple question can assess the two. Running to fifty and having a shot to win a game, say a grand final, who would you rather have the ball.

For me Eagleton is deadly while Ray is barely a fifity/fifty proposition. I have no doubt Ray will get much better and become a solid player to superstar. But as things lie at the moment, Eagleton is more dangerous and more of a threat to the oppositions goals.

[GVGjr]

I like it that some people write eagle off because I think he loves to prove them wrong.
A few have mentioned Ray and while he was terrific in patches today his kicking really lets us down. He does not seem to have made any progress from last season.

Back to Eagle. What position do people see him playing?

[The Bulldogs Bite]

I like it that some people write eagle off because I think he loves to prove them wrong.
A few have mentioned Ray and while he was terrific in patches today his kicking really lets us down. He does not seem to have made any progress from last season.

Back to Eagle. What position do people see him playing?

He's a specialist wingman.

Finds plenty of space, picks up possessions, is able to have a ping at the goals from the 40-60m range or is a fantastic passer from that 70-80m region into the forward line. With Darcy and perhaps Doogs running around, Eagleton's best position is by far the Wing where he is allowed to run up and down them.

[firstdogonthemoon]

The better the midfield gets the better Eagle will perform. He plays a critical carry and break them open, then dish it off or kick it yourself role. The busier we can keep defenders and the better we clear the ball from packs the more opportunities he will have.

His foot skills are sublime. Some exampl;es that come to mind are the time he put it on Robbos head between two defenders at one stage last year, then in another game he weighted a perfect pass to a Coon running into space towards goal and don't let's forget those long bombs.

I don't think he's in any trouble.

I agree. In fact I think we should have a policy on this board that we are not allowed to bag Nathan Eagleton even if he is rubbish. He is the heart and soul of this team and while he wasnt at training today, Rodney had a long chat with him in the players race. He has been overlooked for the captaincy, should have been all australian Nathan Eagleton position player.

he is a game breaker, will thrive with an Aker to play off.

[firstdogonthemoon]

Nah, he's safe, runs the lines, penetrates inside 50 & finishes off ever so well.

I notice the Coon dog is promoting some sort of White Supremacy thing with his nom de plume and his fascist gollywog. :D

[Dry Rot]

I agree. In fact I think we should have a policy on this board that we are not allowed to bag Nathan Eagleton even if he is rubbish.

He's probably still upset Harrison has retired.

[bresker]

I thought his second half of last season was ordinary. I'm not an Eagles basher, I love him. Under Rhode he was one of our best. Maybe I don't appreciate him as much now that the whole team has progressed.

[The Coon Dog]

I notice the Coon dog is promoting some sort of White Supremacy thing with his nom de plume and his fascist gollywog. :D
Funny, my wife said the same thing yesterday. I transferred the name across from BF (just seemed easier than inventing a new one) & I did quite a few Avatars (still like the one I did for AMJ on BF) including the gollywog. It was originally clothed in brown & green & I went to work on Adobe Photoshop changing it to Red, White & Blue. It took ages & afterwards I thought I'd use it seeing as I had put so much time into it. Just pure coincidence.

[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.

[Sockeye Salmon]

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.

Actually Eagleton was the only player I gave a ranking.

I did my best 22 and he was left over (even though I thought he deserved a spot).

[Harbrow_hero]

hes not my fav player but he'd make the 22 for the 1st round.Maybe not by round 22

[FrediKanoute]

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 would, because of his ability to finish. We don't have too many guys who can regularly do this. Yes he has off days and probably had a few too many last season, but then he was not alone was he? What he does have though is experience and in a team which has retired almost a thousand games of experience over the last 2 seasons I wouldn't underestimate the importance of this. For me eagle will be an important part of 2008 and probably 2009!

[Go_Dogs]

I think Eagleton suffered a lot because the team wasn't playing well too. I know people say he's a bit of a front runner, but when the team is going well and Eagleton can receive more ball, he has more chances/space/time to do the good things he does so well. When the team wasn't playing as well I dare say Eagleton found it a lot harder to receive the ball in good positions, and obviously a few of the weaknesses in his game came to the forefront.

I tend to agree that he still does give some value, and should play a big part in the 2008 campaign. He will need to work hard though.

[dog town]

Basically the role he plays is his until someone comes through and knocks him out of it. We need guys who can do what he does and until we have a better option Eagleton will continue to get games and plenty of ground time. The onus is on the young guys coming through to try and push him out of the side.

I do certainly think he will find it tougher and tougher from now on. He may play on the wing alot but he basically just runs straight lines down the ground trying to get on the end of the ball as it comes forward. He is not the type to give an option coming out of defence or push back and plug up a hole. They have tried to use him as a forward occasionally to give him a bit more versatility but apart from a couple of games he struggled in that role. His strength is his ability to gut run to get on the end of handballs or to get into space around half forward and I dont think that has really diminished. What may be slowly leaving him is that extra yard of pace to get enough time and space on his left foot to be as damaging as he once was.

He will hold his place this season espeially early on but he needs to keep performing. He cant just cash in when the team is on fire or Eade will look else where. At the moment the real question is who from outside the current side can do better than he can?

[hujsh]

I think the eagle can keep a spot. He is probably the best attacking wingman we have because of that long kick. He will need more of the ball and more inside 50's this year i reckon.