AFL 25: Eliza Reilly names her West Coast team of the century so far

The Eagles have fallen away badly in recent years but are still one of the best clubs of the modern era. Eliza Reilly picks her team of the century so far.

You’d be hard-pressed to find many teams capable of defeating this West Coast side.

With four grand finals, two premierships and 14 finals appearances since the turn of the century, the Eagles have been one of the best sides of the modern era despite their recent woes.

The better question might be who missed out rather than who made this star-studded squad. Between them, this line-up boasts 40 All-Australian blazers, 21 John Worsfold medals, three Brownlow Medals (not counting Judd’s one at Carlton), three Norm Smith Medals and two Coleman Medals.

The midfield picks itself with in six-time All-Australian Cox, two-time Brownlow medallist Judd, All-Australian Kerr and Brownlow medallist Priddis forming a formidable centre bounce combination.

Ben Cousins with Chris Judd after the 2006 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Getty Images

To fit everyone in, Cousins slots in at half-forward given his running power, the fact he was named in the forward pocket of the 2001 All-Australian team and sits 12th on West Coast’s all-time leading goalkicker list.

Good luck stopping All-Australians Kennedy, Darling, Matera and LeCras, who won West Coast’s goalkicking a combined 19 times.

Led by all-time games record holder Hurn and one of the best modern-day interceptors McGovern, there wouldn’t be too many forward lines out there capable of getting past that defence.

The final spot on the bench was one of the most hotly contested on the team with the likes of Rowan Jones, Michael Braun, Chad Fletcher and Liam Ryan all in contention but Banfield gets the nod as a two-time premiership player who enjoyed a consistent career.

Give Harley Reid another few years and he’ll take his place.

Despite a disappointing end to his tenure, Simpson has been selected as coach given that he managed to take West Coast to a premiership without three All-Australians in Naitanui, Gaff and Sheppard.

The Eagles also went undefeated in Victoria in 2018 and conjured one of the most memorable comebacks in grand final history to defeat Collingwood.

Originally published as AFL 25: Eliza Reilly names her West Coast team of the century so far