Eagles better placed than last year to reach SANFL summit: Michael Godden

HOW will Woodville-West Torrens respond to the shattering disappointment of dropping last year’s grand final to West Adelaide after entering the finals series a strong favourite?

SANFL - Eagles vs. Port at Woodville Oval. [PIC] The Eagles' Angus Rowntree makes a run for it

HOW will Woodville-West Torrens respond to the shattering disappointment of dropping last year’s grand final to West Adelaide after entering the finals series a strong favourite?

The answer to that question may tell the tale of 2016.

Eagles coach Michael Godden says the club has recovered from the loss “remarkably well” and in fact, is proud of its efforts.

And he is vehement the Eagles are in a far superior position to attack this year’s title after advancing to the season finale earlier than anticipated, given the overhaul of the gameplan the previous summer.

“We have to get back on the horse and go again,’’ Godden says.

“We were probably there (grand final) well before we had expected in terms of a rebuild of the structures at the club.

“To happen on one year did blow us all away a bit, that it makes the grand final loss easier to take.

“We are significantly better placed and very much in control of the game plan now. Everyone throughout the organisation has a clear picture of how we want the Eagles to look.

“There has been some adjustments, there had to be because we failed on the biggest stage.

“But the players are much more confident now with the knowledge of what they have to do.’’

It must be remembered the Eagles lost their best-and-fairest champion Angus Rowntree, key onballer Angus Poole and ruckman Marc Borholm before the grand final against West Adelaide.

Rowntree is expected to return from a serious knee injury mid-season.

There has been healthy recruiting at Woodville Oval, with former Essendon midfielder Nick O’Brien joining the club after four years at Windy Hill.

The onball brigade has had a massive boost with Jarred Redden returning from Port Adelaide.

“I’m confident in the Eagles, very confident in us,’’ Godden says. “But I’ve no idea what the other teams will bring at this stage.

“We are a better team than last year, no doubt. Whether we are better than everyone else is another question.’’

GUN RECRUIT

Star midfielder Angus Rowntree won’t be available until mid season, so the recruiting of Nick O’Brien from Essendon is important. The bonus for the Eagles is the return of ruckman Jarred Redden. His influence will be crucial for the side.

Joe Sinor ... ready to take the next step. Picture: Calum Robertson

EMERGING TALENT

Joe Sinor has developed his game in the reserves for several years and has been given a taste of league action. The youngster has had a productive summer and will push for more time in the top side.

ROWNTREE PRESENCE

The Eagles won’t have their gun onballer until at least round 12 after he significantly damaged his knee and missed the grand final. Not only did he win the best and fairest last year to indicate his presence at the club, he was runner-up in the Magarey Medal.

RESPONSE

The words emanating from the Eagles camp are position as they seek to recover from the grand final defeat. The message is making amends.

Eagles top goalkicker Michael Wundke takes on Norwood's Alexis Greorgiou. Picture: Tom Huntley

EAGLES RECALL

2015 season - Finished second

Best & Fairest

1. Angus Rowntree

2. Luke Jarrad

3. Jarred Allmond

Leading goalkicker

Michael Wundke 38

EAGLES DRAW

1 Mon March 28 Sturt PMO

2 Sun April 3 South Adelaide HO

3 Sun April 10 Adelaide MTHO

4 Sun April 17 North Adelaide MTHO

5 Mon April 25 West Adelaide Adel O

6 Bye

7 Fri May 6 Glenelg GS (N)

8 Sat May 14 Port Adelaide MTHO

9 Bye

Sun May 29 State game

10 Sat June 4 Norwood MTHO

11 Sun June 12 Central District MTHO

12 Bye

13 Sat June 25 South Adelaide MTHO

14 Sat July 2 West Adelaide MTHO

15 Sat July 9 North Adelaide PO

16 Sun July 17 Port Adelaide AO

17 Sat July 23 Adelaide MTHO

18 Sat July 30 Sturt MTHO

19 Bye

20 Sat Aug 13 Central District MMHO

21 Sun August 21 Glenelg MTHO

22 Sat Aug 27 Norwood CS