Eagle LeCras dreaming of AFL flag glory

West Coast forward Mark LeCras is green with envy, and there’s only one way to cure him – with silver.

LeCras has the chance to snare a long-overdue maiden flag when he lines up against Hawthorn in Saturday’s grand final at the MCG.

The 29-year-old was close to tasting premiership success with the star-studded Eagles in 2006, only to be dropped from the side after tallying just two disposals in the qualifying final loss to Sydney.

LeCras has since established himself as a star of the side – and of the competition.

But he is longing to taste premiership glory.

“I never dreamt as a kid of just being a grand finalist. You dream of winning them,” LeCras said.

“I grew up in Cervantes, which is a competitive footy town about two hours north of Perth.

“I’ve got a mate up there who is the same age as me and he’s won 11 flags.

“I get very jealous when I watch other people play in premiership sides.

“I’m a fairly competitive person, and I’m keen to have success with this playing group.

“We are a tight group, and if we win it will give us a good reason to catch up again in 10 years’ time.”

Hawthorn are aiming to become the first team since Brisbane in 2003 to win three flags in a row.

In contrast, the Eagles are competing in their first grand final since 2006.

LeCras doesn’t feel like the Eagles hold a psychological edge over the Hawks despite beating them by 32 points in the qualifying final.

West Coast’s talent-laden forward line has been a major strength all year, and loom as the key to victory against Hawthorn.

Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy has led the way with 80 goals, while LeCras (44), Josh Hill (39), Jamie Cripps (34) and Jack Darling (25) have also played important roles.

“We’re a fairly settled forward line at the moment,” LeCras said.

“We train fairly hard together. I feel like we know each other well.

“And the way we play up there at the moment – it doesn’t matter who’s kicking the goals, as long as the team’s winning.”

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