ID :
135415
Fri, 07/30/2010 - 18:09
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/135415
The shortlink copeid
Eagles frustrated, not embarrassed
Injured West Coast skipper Darren Glass denies his team's recent western derby
record has become embarrassing, but does admit the losing run against Fremantle is a
point of frustration at the Eagles.
The fifth-placed Dockers have won the past six derbies and are raging favourites to
make it seven in a row when they confront their arch rivals in Sunday's AFL clash at
Subiaco Oval.
Glass, who is still on the comeback trail following a serious groin injury, defended
West Coast's recent derby performances, believing the 0-6 record that started in
round 18, 2007 is somewhat misleading.
"No we're not embarrassed about our performances, we never are," Glass said on Friday.
"The frustration's been there for a while.
"We'd love to win this weekend but for us the focus is about where we want to get to.
"I read in today's paper (Dockers coach) Mark Harvey saying that we've had control
of some derbies over the last couple of years, we've been in front at half-time and
dominated the game and for various different reasons they've run over the top of us.
"We are not embarrassed by our performances but we are keen to have a good game on
the weekend."
Glass conceded the Eagles would have to be on top of their game if they were to
snare a surprise win.
"There has been some upsets in derbies before but the form's generally pretty true
so we are going to have our hands full," he said.
"Fremantle have been playing terrific footy all year.
"But I'm confident the boys, if we play near our best, we are capable of beating them.
"We just take each game on, and we believe we can win it, so we don't really discuss
the underdog status or anything like that."
In previous years when West Coast were flying and Fremantle flailing, the Dockers
treated the derby as a mini grand final.
The roles may be reversed this time around but Glass said West Coast wouldn't employ
the same attitude.
"It's not really Woosha's (coach John Worsfold) style and it's not really the style
that I think gets you anywhere," Glass said.
"If we were to put in a greater effort for our derby that might be great for one
week and good for fans for that week but the question is why aren't we producing
that every week."
West Coast recalled midfielders Tom Swift and Pat McGinnity to replace Adam Selwood
(shoulder) and Ashton Hams (suspended).
The Dockers have been boosted by the return of defender Chris Tarrant and midfielder
David Mundy from injury, while 18-year-old Justin Bollenhagen has been handed a
surprise debut.
Rhys Palmer (shoulder) and Clancee Pearce (knee) are out injured, while Dylan
Roberton was dropped after a quiet performance in last week's 82-point loss to the
Bulldogs.
Glass has been restricted to light duties on the exercise bike after undergoing
delicate groin surgery but expects to be able to jog in the next few weeks.
record has become embarrassing, but does admit the losing run against Fremantle is a
point of frustration at the Eagles.
The fifth-placed Dockers have won the past six derbies and are raging favourites to
make it seven in a row when they confront their arch rivals in Sunday's AFL clash at
Subiaco Oval.
Glass, who is still on the comeback trail following a serious groin injury, defended
West Coast's recent derby performances, believing the 0-6 record that started in
round 18, 2007 is somewhat misleading.
"No we're not embarrassed about our performances, we never are," Glass said on Friday.
"The frustration's been there for a while.
"We'd love to win this weekend but for us the focus is about where we want to get to.
"I read in today's paper (Dockers coach) Mark Harvey saying that we've had control
of some derbies over the last couple of years, we've been in front at half-time and
dominated the game and for various different reasons they've run over the top of us.
"We are not embarrassed by our performances but we are keen to have a good game on
the weekend."
Glass conceded the Eagles would have to be on top of their game if they were to
snare a surprise win.
"There has been some upsets in derbies before but the form's generally pretty true
so we are going to have our hands full," he said.
"Fremantle have been playing terrific footy all year.
"But I'm confident the boys, if we play near our best, we are capable of beating them.
"We just take each game on, and we believe we can win it, so we don't really discuss
the underdog status or anything like that."
In previous years when West Coast were flying and Fremantle flailing, the Dockers
treated the derby as a mini grand final.
The roles may be reversed this time around but Glass said West Coast wouldn't employ
the same attitude.
"It's not really Woosha's (coach John Worsfold) style and it's not really the style
that I think gets you anywhere," Glass said.
"If we were to put in a greater effort for our derby that might be great for one
week and good for fans for that week but the question is why aren't we producing
that every week."
West Coast recalled midfielders Tom Swift and Pat McGinnity to replace Adam Selwood
(shoulder) and Ashton Hams (suspended).
The Dockers have been boosted by the return of defender Chris Tarrant and midfielder
David Mundy from injury, while 18-year-old Justin Bollenhagen has been handed a
surprise debut.
Rhys Palmer (shoulder) and Clancee Pearce (knee) are out injured, while Dylan
Roberton was dropped after a quiet performance in last week's 82-point loss to the
Bulldogs.
Glass has been restricted to light duties on the exercise bike after undergoing
delicate groin surgery but expects to be able to jog in the next few weeks.
