Coach nominates key Across the Waves’ players in 2023

Across The Waves Eagles coach Shaun Stone is looking for a year of improvement when the AFL Wide Bay season kicks off on April 15, and these are the players he thinks will make the difference.

29/03/2023 - ATW Eagles coach Shaun Stone has hailed Michael Blair (centre) as one of the best players in the Wide Bay AFL senior competition. Picture: Samantha Hayhoe

Across The Waves Eagles coach Shaun Stone is looking for a year of improvement when the AFL Wide Bay 2023 season kicks off on April 15.

ATW finished bottom of the four-team ladder in the senior men’s competition, with only three wins in the campaign.

Two of those victories came against Bay Power but ATW also defeated grand finalists Brothers Bulldogs in round 16, something that coach Stone would like to build on when they start their campaign against the Power next month.

“Coming off some struggles last year, we will be looking to get better,” the ATW coach admitted.

“We are confident that we have put in the work in training to get that improvement and we had a pretty good workout against Yeppoon in a practice match, who were quality opposition.

“The players are certainly fitter than they have been and I am confident we can be competitive this season and who knows what can happen from there.”

Stone has picked out some key players for ATW who he hopes will help them to attain some better results this season.

Five players to watch

Klint Wagstaff - ruckman

“Klint is a former player/coach for the Waves and has played more than 400 senior games in his career.

“He is an experienced ruckman who missed last year, so he should be fresh and raring to go.

“He is a previous league medallist and we are hoping he can hit his straps after his time away from the game.”

29/03/2023 - Klint Wagstaff (with the ball) brings plenty of experience to the ATW Eagles. Picture: Samantha Hayhoe

Michael Blair - onballer

“Michael is one of the best players in the competition and he’s even fitter this year.

“We are hoping that this can be another big year for Michael and if he plays well that should work for the whole team.

“Another who is a former league medallist, so his experience will help our younger players.”

29/03/2023 - ATW Eagles coach Shaun Stone has hailed Michael Blair (centre) as one of the best players in the Wide Bay AFL senior competition. Picture: Samantha Hayhoe

Jayden Enever - wing

“Jayden has had a great preseason and has been one of our best.

“Hopefully that will pay off for him in the season proper and he can give us some run on the flanks.”

29/03/2023 - Jayden Enever in action for ATW Eagles. Picture: Samantha Hayhoe

Connor Stone - midfield

“This is Connor’s second year at the club and he has become part of our leadership group.

“He is one of our co-captains and he leads by example in the way he plays.”

Isak Hose - wing

29/03/2023 - Isak Hose is a player on the rise for Across The Waves Eagles. Picture: Samantha Hayhoe

“A youngster who is part of the Brisbane Lions academy and is an elite runner.

“His fitness is his strength and he should do well this season for us because of that.”

Originally published as Coach nominates key Across the Waves’ players in 2023