WA struggle in clash against the Allies

The Sandgropers struggled mightily in the 16.12 (108) to 2.8 (20) defeat against a strong Allies side featuring several hot prospects including the Gold Coast academy-linked Jed Walter, Jake Rogers, and Ethan Read and Tasmanians Colby McKercher, Ryley Sanders, and Jack Callinan.'

WA talent identification manager Adam Jones has conceded the state’s 88-point loss to the Allies last weekend was a disappointing result.

Jones told Sports Breakfast the introduction of AFL academies had made the team comprising players from Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania a much more competitive opponent.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Jones said.

“There’s talk of five or six of those boys going in the top twenty for the Allies in the draft this year.

“We started really well, the boys were implementing exactly what the coaches had asked of them, we had high pressure around the ball, we were setting up defensively. We failed to capitalise on a couple of goal-scoring opportunities and things started to swing a little bit.”

Jones said some positives had come from the game.

“Mitch [Edwards] did really well, competed really strongly in the ruck, took some nice marks around the ground, so he probably won his battle on the day,” he said.

“Our defenders, whist under siege, did a reasonable job. The captain Riley Hardeman, he had some glimpses with some run and some intercept marking.

“Some of our on-ballers had an okay game. Clay Hall, Reece Torrent got their hands on the ball and battled admirably.”

West Coast are again set to feature prominently in the draft after another miserable season, with Jones saying a player like Claremont’s Daniel Curtin would be an excellent addition for the Eagles.

“There’s a terrific amount of talent,” Jones said.

“Even if it’s not local, I think West Coast should be very excited.

“If they decide to split their first pick, which I think would be a very wise option, then they’re going to get a couple of good players in.”

WA’s next game will come against South Australia next Saturday, acting as a curtain-raiser for the game between Fremantle and Essendon.

IMAGE: RookieMe.