WEST Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold has declared himself happy with both a new key forward and a veteran one as his side wrapped up its pre-season campaign with a one-goal win over Essendon at Subiaco on Friday night.
Premiership centre half-forward Ash Hansen made a dramatic return from injury with five goals, while youngster Josh Kennedy again showed good signs after playing at centre half-forward last week in the absence of Hansen.
"We've tried a few things over this preseason and you learn from them. We know Ash is a very good footballer, and he's shown he can play up the ground and he can play close to goal and be effective in both areas," Worsfold said after the match.
Kennedy came to West Coast as part of the trade that saw former skipper Chris Judd head home to Victoria, and the coach said his last two weeks were encouraging.
"He probably played better last week, and played solely centre half-forward last week, so tonight he was changing up a bit from different positions, but I think he's building on what he showed last week.
"I liked stuff before that as well, but he's got a great attitude, a great competitor, a big strong boy who wants to be in a contest, keeps his eyes on the footy and those sort of things.
"I'm really pleased – I think he's got a huge amount of upside, but what he's shown already means I think he's a good AFL player and he's going to be very handy for us for a long time."