Eagles revival gives Power hope - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Eagles revival gives Power hope

Justin Chadwick 18/06/2011 01:02:16 PM Comments (0)

Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz says West Coast's remarkable turnaround this AFL season has given him hope the same can be achieved at the Power next year.

The Eagles have transformed themselves from wooden spooners to top-four contenders within the space of a season, with in-form veterans Daniel Kerr, Dean Cox, Darren Glass and Andrew Embley combining well with the club's fledgling stars.

In contrast, Port Adelaide (2-9) are in danger of collecting this year's wooden spoon, but Schulz said it was far from a doom-and-gloom scenario at the club.

"I think West Coast are a perfect example to show that any side can be turned around as long as the playing group wants to all buy in together and go in the same direction," Schulz said ahead of Sunday's clash with the Eagles at Patersons Stadium.

"You can do anything as a team if you've got faith in each other and the game plan and you're all going in that same direction.

"It's what we're trying to do and we hope to be there sooner rather than later.

"We've got some really good old heads around the place still and some fantastic young kids.

"When we all gel and play well together we can be a really good side."

The Eagles will enter Sunday's match as hot favourites and Schulz conceded his team faced a tough task to topple the in-form side.

"They've been outstanding," Schulz said.

"I think they've surprised a lot of people.

"It's been fantastic to see their older guys and younger guys mixing really well and playing really well.

"They're a very strong, unified side at the moment. They're going to be a tough side to beat.

"They beat us earlier in the year so we'll be looking to get one back."

The Power have been one of the most inconsistent sides this season, looking the goods in wins against Adelaide and Richmond but performing atrociously in others.

"We've been playing a half here or three quarters there, and in today's game that's just not enough to win games," Schulz said.

"That's our main focus, just keep momentum for as long as possible during games to give us the best chance of winning."

Schulz, who was sidelined from rounds two to six with a knee injury, felt he was now approaching peak fitness.

But the 26-year-old former Tiger admits he'll be put to the test if he is reacquainted with West Coast defender Darren Glass.

"Glass has played on me a fair few times so we'll catch up again," Schulz said.

"He's been a champion for such a long time so I always look forward to the battle.

"I'll try my best to get a couple on him."

Port Adelaide have been bolstered by the return of fit-again skipper Domenic Cassisi and Daniel Stewart, with Jacob Surjan and and Andrew Moore dropped.

West Coast recalled Tom Swift in place of axed midfielder Chris Masten.

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