Statewide Super League Preview – Eagles

Woodville-West Torrens coach Sam Lonergan is bringing a new voice and fresh approach to Oval Avenue as the Eagles begin a new era in 2019.

And while Lonergan respects the pain of all Eagles fans after last year’s loss in the Preliminary Final, the focus will be on earning the premiership points against North Adelaide in Round 1 of the Statewide Super League season.

Speaking on SANFL TV, Lonergan said his men ” have a job to do” against the Roosters at Maughan Thiem Kia Oval on Sunday March 31.

The Eagles will be armed with arguably the strongest midfield division in the competition after adding the sizeable frames of Jesse Lonergan (Gold Coast) and Jordan Foote (Sydney) to their ultra-consistent mosquito fleet in the centre square.

Fan favourite Jimmy Toumpas, who played in the Eagles’ 2011 League premiership as a teenager – has also been welcomed back to the club, likely to fill the experienced half-back role vacated by the retiring Paul Stewart.

With ruckman Marc Borholm also hanging up the boots during the off-season, Lonergan has earmarked impressive young bigman Sam Michael as one to watch this year, as he looks to push into League ranks alongside the tall timber of Jarrad Redden and Jordan West.

Foote, who managed six AFL games with the Swans after being restricted by injury, will be the fourth generation in his family to represent West Torrens, following in the footsteps of Great Grandfather Edward, Grandfather John and Father David.