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Glen Jakovich: Why West Coast need to find replacement for Willie Rioli fast in 2021

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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Eagles forwards Oscar Allen (left) and Jamie Cripps after the 2020 elimination final loss to Collingwood.
Camera IconEagles forwards Oscar Allen (left) and Jamie Cripps after the 2020 elimination final loss to Collingwood. Credit: RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAPIMAGE

Two-time premiership Eagle Glen Jakovich fears West Coast’s premiership window is closing quickly and says finding a replacement for Willie Rioli is something that needs to be addressed in 2021.

Speaking on Sportsday WA, Jakovich said he believes the Eagles will be a contender this season but there’s one catch.

“For West Coast to win it, they need to finish top four and above,” he revealed.

“They’ve got one to two years left with this list.

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“They need a lot of things to go their way early in the season.”

The four-time Eagles club champion said he doesn’t think the provisionally suspended Rioli will be back in 2021 and urged the club to find a replacement fast.

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Willie Rioli remains provisionally suspended as he awaits his hearing outcome.
Camera IconWillie Rioli remains provisionally suspended as he awaits his hearing outcome. Credit: RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/AAPIMAGE

“My concern for them in the forward line is they just need another Liam Ryan and that’s Willie Rioli,” he said.

“We don’t know the scenario what’s going to happen with Willie. I doubt he’s going to play any football in 2021 when the decision comes through.

“West Coast’s scoring has slipped … When they won the competition it was fifth - last year it was seventh.

“When you had Willie and Liam Ryan running riot, defenders were more worried about being on play cards for the rest of their lives - are they going to get taken for mark of the year or get shown candy all around the forward line area?”

Glen Jakovich says Alex Witherden could one day take over Shannon Hurn’s role.
Camera IconGlen Jakovich says Alex Witherden could one day take over Shannon Hurn’s role. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

Jakovich said players like Nathan Vardy, Josh Rotham, Jarrod Brander, Jake Waterman and Oscar Allen needed big seasons to give the Eagles the depth required to win a premiership, and was full of praise for a bargain buy.

“Alex Witherden, I think he was pick 63 for West Coast and he was first rounder a couple of years ago and in the national academy program,” Jakovich said.

“He’s an elite kick and in today’s day and age, you need elite kicks that can pull the trigger on the 45 when going through the corridor.

“Off the half back, he’ll be looking a suitable replacement for Shannon Hurn one day.

“The list is still very, very strong. They are a contender and they’ll be right up there.”

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