Eagles build SANFL’s top defence under coach Michael Godden

Woodville-West Torrens coach Michael Godden puts a priority emphasis on attack despite the club building an incredible defensive record over the past three years.

Woodville-West Torrens coach Michael Godden. Picture Dean Martin

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden argues the club’s incredibly miserly defensive record does not reflect his mindset.

In the past three seasons, the Eagles have conceded at least 100 points just once when they coughed up 141 to South Adelaide at Noarlunga Oval in round 16 this year.

They had failed to have the ton scored against them in 55 games since the end of 2014 season when Godden overhauled the Eagles’ game plans.

This season they have conceded an average of 62.9 points a game, the lowest in the league.

“Three years ago when we changed the way we played we were defensive minded,” Godden said. “To start rebuilding the club we had to start from the back.

“We tried to be more offensive last year and even more this year. We talk more about kicking a score then we do defence, but because we have trained the past few years to defend well, it is coming naturally to the playing group.

“I definitely do not try and be a defensive coach. We would spend 80 per cent of match reviews on ball movement and how to kick bigger scores.”

Godden acknowledged the Eagles had a talented back six led by co-captains Luke Thompson and Patrick Giuffreda. This year there has been some unsettling in defence due to injuries, but the side should be at full strength to face Port Adelaide in the second semi-final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.

Port, with Ken Farmer Medallist Brett Eddy in attack, is the heaviest scoring side in the competition this season and Godden said his outfit faced a significant challenge.

“It is a huge challenge, the AFL sides can score quickly and they are a big-scoring team,” he said. “They have got some big firepower.”