New Collie Eagles coach Kade East says it is time to ‘write our own script’ amid big-name departures

A gun pair of brothers are among a host of big names to leave the Collie Eagles this off-season, but new coach Kade East says it is time for his young group to “write our own script”. Talan and Mat Michael, sons of towering South Fremantle legend Stephen have left the club, as has former captain Teke Vernon, midfield bull David Cowan, Kaleb Michalak and Joe Scaffidi. The Eagles finished just outside the top five last season, crippled by a torrid injury run as finals neared. Now East says the focus will be on re-establishing a strong culture, and balancing a rebuild of sorts with a burning desire to contend. “It is going to be tough, there are some pretty high-profile boys leaving the club,” he said. “It is the old saying ‘one door closes another one opens’ and it is time for the next breed to put their hands up. “We have got some boys that are keen to step into different roles, so we will see what we can do with that.” Talan Michael will play for Boddington this season, while his intercept gun brother Mat will head to Boyup Brook with former Eagles teammate Cowan. But the new Collie is adamant enough of his squad will step up and fill the void and his hopeful his club will be around the mark again in 2022. “Some boys do it naturally — they are keen and they know it is their time to step up,” East said. “Others need a bit of encouragement to say ‘this is your time to get moving’’, but a few boys have stepped up and it has been really impressive. “Culturally for us this year is pretty big, just to get the fun and enjoyment back in the group. “We want to be competitive, and I think we will be but you never know until you roll into the season. “The boys that are going have been at the club for a long time, so they are losses, but we just need to move past it and write our own script I suppose.” The Eagles met Carey Park in a pre-season practice match a fortnight ago and are set to face the Mandurah Mustangs, who will feature former SWFL players Brendon Jones, Jay Collard and Chris Luff this Saturday at home. They then open their season with a round one home clash with rivals Donnybrook.