Ben's breakdown: Cousins says Eagles' rebuild is on track
West Coast champion Ben Cousins believes the club's rebuild is on track and says it is unfair to suggest the club has failed midway through Andrew McQualter's first season as coach.
And the Brownlow medallist has called for patience from Eagles fans, who he praised for showing up in large numbers to watch the struggling side.
The Eagles have won one of their games 14 games in McQualter's first season at the helm and sit two wins below Richmond at the bottom of the ladder.
But Cousins said it is unfair to judge the team off wins and losses.
'I think that's unfair. We all knew at the start of this year how far back West Coast were coming and I don't think you can measure their season in wins and losses at the moment,' he told 7NEWS during a comprehensive breakdown of the Eagles' season.
'There has definitely been periods where they have shown incremental improvement and I think they are probably where they thought they'd be.
'I love the way the West Coast supporters keep turning up. They do need to be patient and the administration at West Coast have got some really important decisions to make in the coming season or seasons, and it's just so important that they get them right.' Wins have been hard to come by for the Eagles. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
He also warned against underestimating the time it takes for a coach to truly put his stamp on a group.
'Don't underestimate the time it takes to implement a game plan initially,' Cousins said.
'I think it's only fair that Mini McQualter gets a clean canvas when he steps in and I think to assess, or try and measure how far down the track in terms of the rebuild, I think would be unfair until we are 18 months, two years down the track.'
If Allen leaves the club as a free agent at the end of this season, the Eagles are likely to receive band one compensation. That would give them an extra pick at the draft directly after their first selection, which would likely be pick two.
Cousins said this year's draft would be a pivotal moment in the club's rebuild, but also said it would take time for those players to develop.
'They need to get them right. They have shown in the past that they can draft and develop players very quickly, but particularly now they are in this precarious situation, it's just so important that they make the most of the opportunities that they've got,' he said.
'They are going to get some high draft picks, but with that comes the real important part, which is to bring them on and develop them. That does take time.
'I think it is unrealistic to not expect this to take time to implement and I think they need to, in the coming draft or drafts, still continue to add some real promising youngsters that they can bring through or fast-track to make them better.
The former Eagles skipper and 2006 premiership hero said the club's mounting injury list has been a significant hurdle to overcome. Oscar Allen sits injured. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images
There are fears co-captain and key forward Oscar Allen has played his final game for the club and they have already lost Jake Waterman for the season, while Elliot Yeo has not played a game this year and Jeremy McGovern's future hangs in the balance while h faces the league's independent medical panel over the latest in a string of concussions.
'It's not just the number of injuries, but it's been to key personnel,' Cousins said.
'Waterman, their best forward, McGovern, their best back and Yeo, their best mid. It really has left them short.'
Cousins listed defender-cum-midfielder Brady Hough as one of his big improvers this season, as well as Reuben Ginbey — who has grown into a key defensive post. Brady Hough of the Eagles celebrates a goal. Credit: Paul Kane / Getty Images
'In and amongst what has been a really tough start to the year I have loved (Brady) Hough's versatility, I think Ginbey down back has been very good and now we are getting some games into Hewett, he is starting to show some real promise as well.
'And the two recruits in (Liam) Baker and (Jack) Graham have led the way.
'(Tyrell Dewar) had a breakout game a couple of weeks ago which I loved and don't forget Tom McCarthy, the mid-season draft pick who has already made his debut and I am excited about his prospects going forward.
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