David EdwardsIs There Something In the Water Out West?
February 26th 2007 06:34
As both the AFL and the NRL are in the midst of their pre-season matches, this is the time of year where there is not focus on the matches played, but rather the shady ‘behind the scenes’ actions of a player of side. Arrests, fights, drink driving, every year there seems to be a problem with a ‘star player’, and as a result follows their side for the entire season.
And once again, it seems that the West Coast Eagles have taken this year’s award. Last season it was the journalist’s dream when then captain Ben Cousins simply ran from his car before being breath tested, a mistake which was constantly over the club’s head for the rest of the 2006 season. Even though they were able to persevere, and in the end win the premiership in spectacular fashion, it seems that they cannot escape controversy once again as their star midfielder Daniel Kerr is in trouble not once, but twice, in a matter of weeks.
First of all Kerr was in court pleading not guilty to an assault charge, due to a fight that broke out during an party over the summer break. Whilst this would be discomforting for the club, it grew even worse when Kerr was charged once again this afternoon on an assault charge that happened not even a day before the Eagles were meant to start their pre-season campaign against the Fremantle Dockers.
The charge results from an early morning incident between Kerr and a taxi driver at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital late Saturday night. Kerr faced up to court again today and pleaded guilty to the charge, copping a $1800 fine plus what disciplinary action the club will undertake.
This is just another chapter to an ever-increasing novel of West Coast’s off-field woes. On the ground there is no doubt that they are one of the strongest sides in the league, but it seems that over in Perth they cannot keep their image in a positive manner as every season another situation unfolds.
Whether it’s Kerr’s constantly involved with fights, Cousin’s alleged involvement with underworld figures, or even their former player Michael Gardiner horrible disciplinary record, it seems that the Eagles are constantly battling to keep their house in order.
West Coast did the right thing in regard to Gardiner, he was acting up on the field whilst unable to accurately contribute on the field. In the end they demoted him to the WAFL, before letting him go at the end of the 2006 season. However I can guarantee that Perth will become the new heart of the AFL before they consider the same actions for their resident bad boys Cousins and Kerr.
Whilst Gardiner was unable to really perform come game day, Cousins and Kerr are just the opposite. Cousins’ won the 2005 Brownlow Medal, with Kerr following up a close second. Kerr followed up with a fantastic season in 2006, finishing third on the Brownlow count behind Adam Goodes and Scott West. They are the glue that has made the Eagles such a dominant side, and if they were ever let go from their contract, every single club in the league would be clamouring to get their signature.
So the question is now how can the West Coast side do to fix this matter? They obviously cannot keep on letting players tarnish their club’s respected name in this manner, but they are also in the business of winning games, something that their two biggest problems always help with.
They have to seriously consider their options. Should they only give a slap on the wrist for another Kerr incident? Or will they bite the bullet, ship him to the WAFL, and show the entire league that they will solve this off-field drama once and for all.
Also think about this, Cousins was in trouble weeks before the AFL season started in 2006, the season where the Eagles won the premiership. Can Kerr being holed up in jail mere hours before their NAB kick off mean that history is repeating itself over in the west?
Until next time, sports minds.
And once again, it seems that the West Coast Eagles have taken this year’s award. Last season it was the journalist’s dream when then captain Ben Cousins simply ran from his car before being breath tested, a mistake which was constantly over the club’s head for the rest of the 2006 season. Even though they were able to persevere, and in the end win the premiership in spectacular fashion, it seems that they cannot escape controversy once again as their star midfielder Daniel Kerr is in trouble not once, but twice, in a matter of weeks.
First of all Kerr was in court pleading not guilty to an assault charge, due to a fight that broke out during an party over the summer break. Whilst this would be discomforting for the club, it grew even worse when Kerr was charged once again this afternoon on an assault charge that happened not even a day before the Eagles were meant to start their pre-season campaign against the Fremantle Dockers.
The charge results from an early morning incident between Kerr and a taxi driver at the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital late Saturday night. Kerr faced up to court again today and pleaded guilty to the charge, copping a $1800 fine plus what disciplinary action the club will undertake.
This is just another chapter to an ever-increasing novel of West Coast’s off-field woes. On the ground there is no doubt that they are one of the strongest sides in the league, but it seems that over in Perth they cannot keep their image in a positive manner as every season another situation unfolds.
Whether it’s Kerr’s constantly involved with fights, Cousin’s alleged involvement with underworld figures, or even their former player Michael Gardiner horrible disciplinary record, it seems that the Eagles are constantly battling to keep their house in order.
West Coast did the right thing in regard to Gardiner, he was acting up on the field whilst unable to accurately contribute on the field. In the end they demoted him to the WAFL, before letting him go at the end of the 2006 season. However I can guarantee that Perth will become the new heart of the AFL before they consider the same actions for their resident bad boys Cousins and Kerr.
Whilst Gardiner was unable to really perform come game day, Cousins and Kerr are just the opposite. Cousins’ won the 2005 Brownlow Medal, with Kerr following up a close second. Kerr followed up with a fantastic season in 2006, finishing third on the Brownlow count behind Adam Goodes and Scott West. They are the glue that has made the Eagles such a dominant side, and if they were ever let go from their contract, every single club in the league would be clamouring to get their signature.
So the question is now how can the West Coast side do to fix this matter? They obviously cannot keep on letting players tarnish their club’s respected name in this manner, but they are also in the business of winning games, something that their two biggest problems always help with.
They have to seriously consider their options. Should they only give a slap on the wrist for another Kerr incident? Or will they bite the bullet, ship him to the WAFL, and show the entire league that they will solve this off-field drama once and for all.
Also think about this, Cousins was in trouble weeks before the AFL season started in 2006, the season where the Eagles won the premiership. Can Kerr being holed up in jail mere hours before their NAB kick off mean that history is repeating itself over in the west?
Until next time, sports minds.
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