A devastating run of injuries across the last few weeks has created opportunities for others, with three players today afforded AFL lifelines with the West Coast Eagles.
The club had kept open one rookie list position, but after yesterday placing premiership defender Tom Cole and first round draftee Campbell Chesser on the inactive list after each suffered long-term ankle injuries in the last fortnight, three rookies have been added.
The AFL has today approved the elevation of East Fremantle ruckman Luke Strnadica, wingman Patrick Naish and midfielder Tom Joyce to be seconded as rookie list additions.
Strnadica, formerly on Fremantle’s list, has been at the club for much of the summer, but has been restricted to light duties in recent weeks with a foot injury. He is just starting to move into his work and offers big man support for Nic Naitanui and Bailey Williams.
The club added another former Fremantle player Hugh Dixon last week through the supplemental player selection period and he can also provide cover as a forward/ruck option. He has impressed in two pre-season hitouts for the club.
Along with Strnadica and Dixon inside midfielder Tom Joyce is from East Fremantle, although he has returned to the west after a stint with Brisbane. He looked strong and composed in the clinches in the pre-season series loss to Fremantle on Sunday.
Naish, who played nine games with Richmond including six last season, had been on the radar of Eagles recruiting staff after being de-listed by the Tigers.
He arrived in Perth as soon as he could after the relaxation of border restrictions, landing here last Thursday before playing out an impressive second half against the Dockers.
Injected into the game in the third quarter, he had 14 possessions and kicked a goal.
“We have obviously received an unusually high number of long-term injuries in the last few weeks and we needed to navigate a way through that to offer greater depth in a number of areas,” list and recruiting manager Rohan O’Brien said.
“So we placed Campbell Chesser and Tom Cole on the inactive list because they are likely to be sidelined for the next four to six months. They are both important players in the short and long term and we need to act in their best interests and give them time to recover appropriately.
“That also means we are able to provide opportunities for Luke Strnadica, Tom Joyce and Patrick Naish which is exciting. All three have been most impressive through this period with both their attitude and application and it is great to offer them another chance.”
