Eagles expect Masten to deliver in 2012
February 06, 2012 16:55:31 UK
West Coast's Matt Priddis has backed his fellow midfielder Chris Masten to come of age in 2012 and make himself a premier quality player for the Eagles.
Masten was drafted by the Eagles in 2007 with their no. 3 pick, which they had been given for trading away their captain Chris Judd.
West Coast are 5.50 to win the 2012 AFL Grand Final. Melbourne Demons can be backed at odds of 5001.00, while Geelong are available at 12.00.
He was undoubtedly talented but a series of serious injuries mean that he hasn't been able to fully blossom in the first four years of his professional career.
Last year, Masten played just 13 matches for the Eagles but he did impress towards the end of the season and that positive sign makes Priddis believe that his injury plagued team mate is destined for an improved AFL season this year.
Speaking in a recent interview, Priddis said: "I think Chris Masten is leading the way on the training track at the moment. He's another one, I think, who can really step up this year and use his speed and fitness on the outside. He's got great skills and I think it's a year really for him to break out."
The Eagles will be depending on Masten services, at least in the early part of the upcoming AFL season, as his ability to break stoppages will come in handy during the absence of experienced Andrew Embley, who recently picked up a shoulder injury.
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