AFL Footy Show Segment Details Extent of Drug Culture at West Coast Eagles

The Footy Show actually broadcast something decent last night

Trash TV program The (AFL) Footy Show has produced potentially the only worthwhile segment in their last 15 years of broadcasting with an in-depth look at the West Coast Eagles of the early-mid 2000s. 

The team were a juggernaut on the field; playing out consecutive classic Grand Finals against the Sydney Swans, claiming the 2006 premiership and Brownlow Medals in 2004 (Ben Cousins) and 2005 (Chris Judd). 

In the years since the premiership and accolades, the team’s notoriety has transcended football. Details of particular players’ drug use have altered the legacy of the ’06 Eagles, turning their blue and gold jerseys a decidedly darker shade.

On last night’s program, journalist Damian Barrett dug a little deeper into the story, interviewing former players, administrators and coaches, who were unusually forthcoming about their experiences. 

Former Eagle Andrew Embley told a story of throwing down with Daniel Chick one afternoon, before arranging a Rocky III-style private bout at the club the following morning. As Embley explains in the clip below though, Chick started throwing them thangs before the pair could put on headgear and mouthguards.

 

Former Richmond coach Terry Wallace was also included, who relayed an anecdote about the first meeting the Tigers had with Cousins. 

Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett claims he would give back the premiership if it would mean his former players could go on living healthy, normal lives. It seems to be a sincere comment from a now-helpless man who looks back with regret to a time that should have been one of his proudest.

This is likely not the last we’ll hear about the exhilarating and tragic 2006 Eagles. Somebody tell ESPN to get a 30 For 30 crew out here.

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