Gary Buckenara analyses West Coast’s needs and potential off-season targets

JOSH Kennedy needs help up forward and there’s a midfielder on the list every Victorian club would be interested in. GARY BUCKENARA analyses West Coast’s list and potential off-season trade targets.

Adelaide young gun Mitch McGovern would suit West Coast.

IN A season full of teams not living up to expectations West Coast has been another club to disappoint.

We all know the record in Melbourne — mostly at the MCG — is poor but the worry is the Eagles are also losing matches at home that they should be winning.

MICK MALTHOUSE: IS YOUR CAPTAIN GOOD ENOUGH?

RUN HOME: WHICH CLUBS ARE IN THE CHASE FOR SEPTEMBER?

LIST ANALYSIS: GARY BUCKENARA LOOKS AT COLLINGWOOD’S NEEDS

When I analyse the list I see a lot of nice players but again how many genuine A-graders are there? I’ve now got my doubts over whether this list can win them a premiership.

Josh Kennedy’s injury has exposed a lack of key position depth up forward despite Jeremy McGovern moving into that role and that’s one area the club needs to address during the off-season.

Josh Kennedy is helped off after injuring his calf.

Yes there has been injuries to their rucks — Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett — and normally one of those would be playing a role up forward when not in the midfield but they’re not natural forwards.

Kennedy needs another offsider to help him so Jack Darling can play that lead-up third-tall role to which he’s best suited. West Coast is too reliant on Kennedy.

The Eagles also need a genuine small forward who is quick and has good goal sense.

GARY BUCKENARA: HAWTHORN ANALYSIS AND OFF-SEASON TARGETS

GARY BUCKENARA: CARLTON LIST ANALYSIS AND OFF-SEASON TARGETS

GARY BUCKENARA: ST KILDA ANALYSIS AND OFF-SEASON TARGETS

They recruited Willie Rioli last year who can play that type of role but he’s been injured all year and they need more options anyway.

They also need more pace through the midfield and halfback.

They targeted Lewis Jetta from Sydney to add that pace but his form has been far too inconsistent and he would likely benefit from having another player with similar characteristics so the load is shared.

Young midfielder Liam Duggan will definitely be a target for Victorian clubs even though he’s signed until the end of 2018 — he’s a good player, highly-rated and potential captain material.

West Coast would definitely not want to lose him but he would have currency and if it would help them secure a Jason Johannisen or a player that would improve them immediately then could they look at it?

Nearly every Victorian club would be interested.

Tom Cole would be another one with currency that would draw the interest of many of the Victorian clubs and could help them do a deal for a player that will fill a need.

Liam Duggan would be attracting interest from all Victorian club. Picture: Michael Klein

WHO THE EAGLES SHOULD TARGET

It’s a no-brainer — the Eagles should be throwing everything at Mitch McGovern.

Jeremy is an absolute star and Mitch looks like developing into a player just as good as his brother, with his marking also his biggest strength.

Imagine him playing alongside Kennedy with Darling as the third option, that would be a very good forward mix.

Brothers Crow Mitch McGovern and Eagle Jeremy McGovern. Picture: Sarah Reed

Bulldogs halfback Jason Johannisen should also be spoken to by the Eagles.

He would really add a different and exciting dynamic with his leg speed to a team that at the moment probably lacks a bit of x-factor.

Brandon Matera from Gold Coast could be an interesting target to fill that small forward role.

He has had a pretty good season — he’s kicked 22 goals so far this year — and is originally from Western Australia.

BUCKY’S UNTOUCHABLES

Andrew Gaff, Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy, Jeremy McGovern, Scott Lycett, Tom Barrass, Liam Duggan* (*could be involved in a trade if the Eagles get a really good deal).