Forde signs on for 2015

Adam Forde is set to return for his 4th season as Head Coach of East Perth Eagles as they look to defend their 2014 SBL Championship.

Alongside Forde, Drew Williamson will also return for his 5th season with the club as well as 2014 Most Improved Player Sunday Dech.

Big man Tom Jervis has also committed to returning, and now that he has registered over 150 SBL games with the Eagles will no longer be listed as a restricted player.

However the list of players that have departed from the side, or yet to confirm their return for next year, leave a big void to the depth of the East Perth lineup.

Some of the departures include All Star Point Guard Kyle Armour who returns to his home club of Willetton. Veteran John Taylor confirmed his retirement last season, and starter Nikola Donlagic has expressed a desire to take a year off for travel and work opportunities.

Along with them, 2014 Finals MVP and 400 game veteran Joe Alan Tupaea is still yet to confirm whether he will return for one more season or hang up the boots entirely. While Austin Kisselev and Jarrod Balcombe will both look to decide their fate as they pursue their desired working careers in their respective fields.

“We’ve got a lot of career driven guys graduating from university and now they feel its time for them to move onto the next chapter in their lives.” Coach Forde continued, “We all support them 100%, and of course if they ever decide they are able to balance work and SBL then we’ll have them back in a heartbeat, but that’s their decision to make.”

Mathiang Muo’s future is also undecided at this stage as he contemplates what his options are while acting as the short-term replacement for the injured Greg Hire in the Perth Wildcats.

“Mathaing is a professional athlete and is looking for the best options for him. We were lucky to have him last year and help in his rehabilitation. If he stays then of course we’ll love to have him back, but its up to him and his future with the Wildcats.”

East Perth will look now to their juniors to replace the outgoing players. Brighton Pass, Brendan Dinardo and Andrej Donlagic are a few that will look to put their hand up during the offseason to fill the void.

“While we look to recruit some key players for next season, the majority of new players will be from or junior ranks. Some have put in a couple of seasons now on the training floor waiting for their opportunity. It’s an exciting time for them as there is a genuine chance they can get considerable minutes.”

East Perth Eagles have scheduled an open tryout at the Morley Recreation Centre on Sunday 21st December from 9am to 11am. All East Perth juniors from Under 16s and up are encouraged to tryout. Official preseason training for East Perth doesn’t commence until January 6th.

Photo by Mick Cronin




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.

Sell Tickets.

Run your Event.

Sell tickets, QR Code + add to wallet functionality, track attendance, receive weekly settlements - all with GameDay Events & Ticketing!

A laptop and smart phone displaying the GameDay Events app.