Eagles coach Michael Godden says changes are needed after elimination final loss

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden is to thoroughly examine his methods searching for answers to the missing link in the progression chain at the club.

WOODVILLE-West Torrens coach Michael Godden is to thoroughly examine his methods searching for answers to the missing link in the progression chain at the club.

After losing to South Adelaide in the elimination final at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, Godden said the enormous success at under 18 and reserves level was not translating into success for the top grade.

He also claimed “a lot will have to happen’’ over the summer and personnel changes was high on the agenda.

“I need to address some of the ways we are going about it because our junior development program is excellent,’’ Godden said. “Our under 18s and reserves are flying again but we have not been able to implement those same players into league footy at the same standard.

“So we are doing part of the job but the next part ... there is something missing and I have to search for that. That is my responsibility. The programs in place to develop the players are working but the players are not making the jump and I have to address what I am doing to fix that.’’

Godden said the reality of the loss was the Eagles were probably the fifth best team in the competition. He also lamented the fact the side was beaten in too many one-on-one contests.

After a promising start, the Eagles endured a nightmare second half to the season and Godden said it was sad to send off great warriors (captain Luke Powell and Adam Grocke) in such a manner.

Godden described Powell as probably the greatest man he has coached.

“He is such an honest human being and everything he does, he does from the heart,’’ Godden said. “He is going to be extremely hard to replace.’’