The early return of a few of West Coast’s most skilled campaigners has signalled simply how determined the Eagles are to enhance in line with second-year utility Brady Hough.
West Coast’s first to fourth-year gamers returned to pre-season coaching on Monday, three months after the membership’s dismal two-win season got here to an finish.
And regardless of not being anticipated to return for an additional fortnight, there was a number of senior gamers again forward of schedule.
West Coast captain Luke Shuey seems on monitor to renew full coaching in early December regardless of a current calf setback.
The 32-year-old was joined by a bunch of skilled stars not anticipated again till December 5 together with Jack Darling, Tim Kelly, Jamie Cripps, Dom Sheed, Liam Duggan and Tom Cole.
Hough stated the extra expertise so early in pre-season would assist fast-track the younger Eagles growth because the membership makes an attempt to bounce again in 2023.
“It means a lot. There’s good unity within the group,” Hough stated.
“Those experienced players coming in is going to help us. It shows how keen the group is to get back on track.
“The likes of Shannon Hurn and those experienced players signing on this year is exciting for us younger boys. We can keep picking their brains.
“We’ll hopefully put last year behind us. We’ll have a good pre-season, lay the foundations and get the kilometres in the legs. We should go alright this year.”
Around 25 Eagles hit the monitor on Monday because the group have been welcomed again with a 30-minute block of conditioning.
West Coast additionally examined their expertise after a prolonged low season, transferring the ball the size of the bottom in groups and in addition engaged on their supply inside 50.
Hough, who has spent his break commuting to and from his residence in Harvey, stated his focus was on including measurement to his 77kg body after West Coast’s harm woes uncovered him to AFL soccer sooner than anticipated.
The 19-year-old debuted in spherical one and managed 15 video games for the season, splitting his time between defence and the wing.
“I was a pretty lightweight player. I was probably playing a bit undersized,” he stated.
“But when I was out there I still felt comfortable within myself. I didn’t feel out of place.
“I’ve put on a little bit of size so hopefully I can keep the running capacity I have and keep developing.
“I’m happy to play anywhere. I felt comfortable in the backline at the start of last year and when I moved up to the wing, that’s where I played a lot of my junior football so I felt at home there.”
