West Coast coach Adam Simpson will proceed to make use of Elliot Yeo in defence in a bid to construct the veteran up for a future midfield position.
Yeo made his return from a calf damage in Sunday’s 63-point loss to Melbourne, tallying 12 disposals, 5 marks and 338m gained earlier than being subbed out at three-quarter time.
West Coast’s defence was so undersized that Yeo was compelled to play as a key defender at instances on the likes of Tom McDonald and Harrison Petty.
Yeo’s poise, power, and willingness to take the sport on and ship the ball ahead meant he was one in every of West Coast’s greatest gamers earlier than being subbed off.
The 29-year-old was restricted to only 27 video games throughout the previous three seasons on account of a raft of damage setbacks.
When he first got here again final yr, he broke down in his second recreation after being despatched straight into the midfield.
Yeo had extra success when he returned later within the season by way of defence, and it is a position he is set to proceed this yr.
“Probably some of the lessons (we learned) from last year of throwing him straight back into the midfield … where the game is going and the transition piece, it’s so hard,” Simpson stated.
“I thought he was good down back and he’ll get better.”
Asked about when Yeo would possibly return to the midfield, Simpson stated “hopefully the next few weeks”.
Emerging star Reuben Ginbey discovered a beneficial lesson on what it takes to be an A-grade midfielder via a close-up take a look at Demons stars Clayton Oliver (34 disposals, 10 clearances) and Christian Petracca (29 disposals, three objectives).
Ginbey completed with 14 disposals and three clearances, and SImpson stated the expertise was beneficial for the 18-year-old and his fellow younger teammates.
“What’s today worth – four or five WAFL games?” Simpson stated.
“Reuben is learning a lot on the fly at the moment.
“But we do not need to break (younger gamers) both. We’ve bought to control that.
“It’s great having someone like Tim Kelly around. And when Dom (Sheed) is around, and Luke (Shuey) is around, it really complements what we’re trying to chase.
“We’ll handle it one of the best we are able to. They’re not simply going to be a linear progress. There’s going to be some ups and downs with the youngsters.
“They’ve had one pre-season, so we’ve got to be a little bit patient.”
West Coast are hopeful defender Alex Witherden (concussion) will return for Sunday’s match towards Geelong in Adelaide, however Sheed (fractured larynx) would possibly miss one other week.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
