West Coast Great Andrew Embley Inspires New Generation to Channel Ochre Heritage
Norm Smith medallist Andrew Embley has expressed his fervent hope that the current young West Coast Eagles squad can harness the iconic ochre spirit and replicate the glorious achievements of his premiership era. The revered former Eagle shared his insights while unveiling the club's special Gather Round jumper, a retro ochre strip reminiscent of the uniforms worn during road games between 2000 and 2002.
Drawing Parallels Between Past and Present
Standing alongside round two AFL Rising Star nominee Jobe Shanahan, Embley articulated the striking similarities he observes between the two generations of players. "There's a really good young group coming through, like we did back in 2001 and 2002," Embley remarked. "It takes a little bit of time, but I'm sure if these guys stick together, keep buying in, and if the group can keep working really hard, then you never know how quickly they can turn it around."
Embley reflected on the transitional period when the careers of the Eagles' 1992 and 1994 flag heroes were concluding as his own journey began. "There was this new brigade coming through. They might have played 50 games, 100 games together, but it was always going to take time, and I sort of sense out a little bit with this group at the moment," he explained.
Passing the Torch to a New Era
The esteemed footballer emphasized the natural progression within the team, noting that the 2018 premiership players are now approaching the twilight of their careers. "It's time to continue the legacy with this young group coming through, and there's no reason why they can't achieve, hopefully, what a few of the other greats of this football club were able to do back in 92, 94, in 06 and 18," Embley declared with conviction.
Embley specifically praised the remarkable resilience demonstrated by the Eagles during their recent 17-point victory over North Melbourne at Optus Stadium. Despite conceding seven goals in the opening term, the team mounted an impressive comeback. "There could have been a mindset, 'Oh, here we go again'. But it wasn't like that at all," Embley observed. "They worked their way back into the game in that second quarter through contests and hard work. I love their physicality, and they flew the flag for each other, and they really stood up. To see that with a young group, I'm sure, gives an enormous amount of confidence."
Emerging Talent Jobe Shanahan Embraces the Legacy
Jobe Shanahan, who contributed significantly at both ends of the field and kicked two crucial goals, acknowledged how the team's ability to rally against the Roos bolstered their self-belief. "In the first quarter, we just didn't really do what we said we're going to do," Shanahan admitted. "We studied their game pretty hard throughout the week and sort of gave them what they want. So in the last three quarters I think we took out their uncontested game and gave it to them."
The 19-year-old, standing at 195cm, was not yet born when the Eagles last sported the ochre jumper. "I love the colours. I've been taught what it stands for. It's the coastline, the desert. I've seen champions of the club wear like Embers (Andrew Embley), and I'm very keen to wear it too," Shanahan expressed with enthusiasm.
Embley's Assessment of Future Key Forwards
Embley has been thoroughly impressed by Shanahan's development, noting his exceptional attributes alongside other promising talents like Cooper Duff-Tytler, Archer Reid, and Jack Williams. These young players are learning their craft under the guidance of All-Australian Jake Waterman, forming what could become the future key forward pillars of the team.
"Last year watching him, the first thing that I thought was how good for a young kid his height to jump and launch and take the ball at the highest point," Embley said of Shanahan. "But then also his goal-kicking, too. He's got a really good set shot kick. The amount of times I said on radio, 'This is going straight through', just because his technique is really good. He keeps it really simple, and he kicks through it, so you can't teach that kind of stuff. Jobe has obviously got it. He's a real talent."
The unveiling of the retro ochre jumper serves as a powerful symbol of continuity and ambition for the West Coast Eagles. As the club looks ahead to Gather Round, the blend of experienced wisdom from legends like Andrew Embley and the raw potential of emerging stars like Jobe Shanahan creates an atmosphere of optimistic anticipation for what the future may hold.
