Eagles begin a new West End tradition

By ZAC MILBANK

The Eagles’ colours remain at the top albeit at a new location after Tuesday’s traditional West End Chimney ceremony at Thebarton.

Gold, green and blue will soon adorn the top of the Brickworks Kiln next to South Road after the Eagles defeated Glenelg in the 2021 SANFL Grand Final.

The Brickworks Kiln was constructed in 1913 and restored in 2016 by the West Torrens Council. It’s located in Thebarton, adjacent to the Brickworks Marketplace, and is the last of the Hoffmann-style kilns still standing in Australia.

Due to the strong wind forecast on Tuesday, the SANFL premier’s colours will be unveiled on an alucobond shell at the top of the kiln, which will be attached to the kiln’s existing metal collars, in the next week.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, victorious Woodville-West Torrens coach Jade Sheedy said he was delighted the unveiling of the Grand Finalists’ colours would continue in a new form after the closure of the West End Brewery site earlier this year.

Sheedy also spoke about the future of Tyson Stengle, who is already being sounded out by AFL clubs interested in offering him another chance at elite level.

Rebounding defender Luke Beecken and Magarey Medallist James Tsitas are also in the mix for an elevation after posting consistent seasons with the Eagles.

Confirming there had been no formal retirement calls to this point, Sheedy expects to learn more in the coming week after exit interviews.

Triple premiership defender Patrick Giuffreda is understood to be one player likely to hang up the boots.