Early Eagles Captain Steven Malaxos
|
|
The Early Years- 1986 to 1990The West Coast Eagles Football Club was established in 1986 and playes their 1st game against Richmond at Subiaco Oval. The new team won by 14 points. In their first year they claimed 8th spot on the ladder narrowly missing out on the finals. Ron Alexander coached the side but was sacked for the 1988 season as John Todd was appointed.1988 was a succesful year for the club, coming 5th and making the finals for the 1st time. Ross Glendinning had won the leading goalkicker award 2 years in a row and was the team's captain.1989 was the club's worst year. Glendinning had retired and Murray Rance had took over the captaincy. The team only managed 11th spot and coach John Todd was given the flick after two years of service.Michael Malthouse was appointed new coach and Steve Malaxos was given the captaincy for season 1990. The Eagles had their best season so far coming 3rd and missing the grand final by 1 point. Peter Sumich was booting goals up forward and the team was looking good for a solid 1991 season.
|
|
A Great Team- 1991 to 1995
1991 was a great and disappointing season for the club. The Eagles finished 1st on the ladder with a percentage of over 160. The team was playing great footy and went into the finals full of confidence. They cruised through and played Hawthorn in the Grand Final. The Eagles lost by 53 points. After such a great season West Coast should have easily won it.They went into the 1992 season more determined than ever to do well and take the flag. The great team finished fourth on the ladder and this time didn't lose it on grand final day, defeating Geelong by 28 points. The club had a great coach in Malthouse and a fantastic leader in John "woosha" Worsfold.The next season, 1993, wasn't as good at all. The team lacked the flair which had brought them a premiership but still managed to scrape into the final six. West Coast got to the semi's but lost to eventual premiers Essendon. Improvement was definitely needed.
The 1994 season was great. The club had some champion players and the season was looking good. With only a few losses they finished top of the ladder. They took out the flag for a second time thumping Geelong again by 80 points!
1995 was much like 1993. The team had lost that something which brought them 2 flags. West Coast finished 5th on the ladder and did not win a final, losing the qualifying final to Adekaide and then bowing down to Essendon in the semi.
Lots of Hope- 1996 to 1999 and beyond
1996 was much like 1995. No real flair. Our Eagles came in 5th spot and with lots of superstars really could have done better. The Eagles again could not manage to win a final and Michael Malthouse would have wanted more from his players.1997 was almost the same. The team had lost that magic that won them the 2 flags but was still a "power" in the competition. They finished the season in 6th position needing something to lift them to another flag. The club had some wonderful young talent in Ben Cousins, Fraser Gehrig, Andrew Donnelly and Chad Morrison.1998 was no better than the last 3 or so years. 7th spot was just not good enough to have a real, good shot at the premiership. They needed more from senior players as the "young guns" were the main contributors and excitement for the fans.
1999 was another disappointing year. Michael Malthouse was switching to Collingwood at the end of the season and John Worsfold had retired giving the captaincy to Guy McKenna. West Coast finished in 7th spot again but still managed to win a thrilling final against the Bulldogs.
We wish the Eagles the best for season 2000 and hopefully things can turn around.
|
The Eagles- 1992
The team that brought home the premiership to WA for the first time.
|
