Premiership-winning Richmond star Liam Baker has been brutally honest about his new team, the West Coast Eagles, describing their recent form as “pathetic.” The Eagles have struggled to find their footing, with a dismal start to the season that has left fans and pundits alike questioning their prospects. Baker’s assessment comes after a crushing loss to Carlton, where the Eagles recorded a historically low contested ball count of just 77.
The West Coast Eagles’ woes have been evident, with the team losing the contested possession count by 69 and the inside-50 count by 38 in a dire display. This lackluster performance has sparked concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. Baker’s comments are particularly striking, given his successful stint with Richmond, where he played a supporting role behind seasoned premiership stars.
In contrast, Baker’s first five games with West Coast have included three heavy defeats of over 60 points. The team’s struggles have been evident, and Baker’s frustration is palpable. “It’s pathetic, really,” he fumed after the game, highlighting the vast difference between his experiences at Richmond and West Coast.
The pressure is mounting on young star Harley Reid, the number one pick in the 2023 AFL Draft. Reid has faced immense scrutiny and criticism, with some questioning his performance. However, Essendon wingman Xavier Duursma has come to Reid’s defense, saying the scrutiny is “pretty unfair” and that he’s being held to an unreasonably high standard.
Duursma, who has had the chance to get to know Reid personally, believes the pressure on the young star goes beyond what’s fair for someone so early in their career. “He’s only a 19-year-old kid and he’s learning as he’s going and he’s going to be a superstar of the competition,” Duursma said. “I think to have incredibly high standards of a teenager, and he is an incredibly high standards person and player, but I think at the same time there’s been some pretty unfair criticisms of him.”
Meanwhile, first-year coach Andrew McQualter is facing a major task in turning the ship around. McQualter acknowledged that the young side needs to start learning lessons from its string of poor results – and fast. “We had an incredibly young midfield and they had a very experienced midfield – and we’ve got to learn a lot,” McQualter said. “Clearly, contested ball at minus-60 is not a level where we are ever going to be able to compete.”
The West Coast Eagles’ struggles have raised questions about their long-term prospects. McQualter is adamant that the team needs to adopt a more sustainable approach, rather than relying on short-term solutions. “We’re not going to become a short-term solution club,” he emphasized.
As the Eagles look to regroup and refocus, Baker’s comments will likely resonate with fans and pundits alike. The team’s journey to redemption will require a collective effort, with players, coaches, and staff working together to overcome their challenges and achieve success.
In conclusion, the West Coast Eagles’ struggles have been evident, with the team facing significant challenges in their quest for success. Liam Baker’s candid assessment and Xavier Duursma’s defense of Harley Reid highlight the complexities of the situation. As the team navigates this difficult period, their response will be crucial in determining their future prospects.