Rookie hopeful Hugh Dixon’s performance pleased West Coast coach Adam Simpson during a tough opening practice match to start the 2022 campaign.

One of the Supplemental Selection Period train-on players pushing for a list spot, Dixon stood tall in a makeshift forward line, kicking two of the Eagles' six goals and taking a turn in the ruck during the last quarter against Fremantle.

The 22-year-old former Docker’s forward craft and agility impressed, and the 196cm product from Tasmania did his chances of earning a spot no harm on Friday night.

“I thought he was probably our best player,” Simpson said.

“He played in the ruck in the last quarter, had a couple of shots on goal – three or four actually – and presented really well.

“He looks like he’s got a pretty good footy brain as well. We were pleased with his performance.”

The Eagles attack had a different look without Oscar Allen (foot), Jack Darling (unavailable), Jamie Cripps (pectoral) and Liam Ryan (Health and Safety Protocols), although Willie Rioli made a welcome return and kicked a classic small forward’s checkside goal in the second term.

Full-back Tom Barrass’ experiment in attack continued, with the premiership defender creating a contest forward of the ball.

“Wanted to play him forward a bit earlier, but the boys were under siege so tried to get a little bit of stability,” Simpson said.

“We need to have a look at that.”

While the 97-point defeat was disappointing, the Eagles’ biggest concern was three lower leg injuries suffered to midfield trio Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed and first-round draft pick Campbell Chesser.

“They don’t look great. They all need scans. All lower leg injuries. The first 10 minutes we lose a couple, and then Yeo as well,” Simpson said.

“We’re having a bad run at the moment.”

However, the coach made no excuses for the performance at Mineral Resources Park.

“We were really disappointing. Obviously the first quarter in all aspects Freo were way too good,” Simpson said.

“And then we lost a couple of players, but we’re not making that as an excuse for the poor performance.

“The second half we start resting more players but I can’t put tonight’s performance down to players not being available.

“Thinking for round one, obviously concern with availability and personnel, trying to get a team, but we’ll learn a lot from tonight.”