Anyone who has watched an AFL draft telecast knows that as hitherto unknown youngsters are compared with current or past champions, it is a night of great excitement.

It’s one of football’s feel-good events, when no one is disappointed – those youngsters hoping for a chance and being overlooked, excepted.

The West Coast Eagles were thrilled with their new listings, from top selection Campbell Chesser, through to Brady Hough, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams and the more experienced Greg Clark.

On Sunday, in the season opener, Hough will make his senior debut. The first from the class of ’21 to get an opportunity. Doubtless, had the others enjoyed an uninterrupted run to this game against Gold Coast, that collegiate would have stronger representation on Sunday.

It would be a brave punter to suggest they will not ascend to the pinnacle and play for the Eagles at AFL level, but for now they will celebrate the moment with Hough.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Brady Hough of the Eagles in action during the AFL Practice Match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Mineral Resources Park on February 25, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos)

An unassuming young bloke, Hough has assimilated into the AFL system seamlessly, living up to the thoughts of former Eagles star Matt Rosa who sent a text through to recruiting staff shortly after he was called as selection #31.

After starting the season with country club Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault, Hough played colts with Peel Thunder and then made his senior WAFL debut in the final game of the season.

Rosa, selected at #29 in the 2004 draft before going on to play 168 games for the Eagles, is now General Manager – Football Operations at Peel and had been impressed by Hough. Maybe he saw some similarities in the club’s latest graduate and himself.

03:55

I've never seen anything like this: Simpson

Senior coach Adam Simpson sits down with Channel 7's Ryan Daniels to give an insight into the club's round one preparation against the Suns

Hough is a lean half-back or wingman who is composed and looked comfortable in the defensive role in the AAMI Community Series match against Fremantle 10 days ago; just as he had in match simulation in the lead-up.

It is a small sample, but there is every reason to be optimistic about what he will bring to the club – not just this week – but during what looms as a prosperous career. 

When senior coach Adam Simpson announced the wiry half-back would debut against the Suns, the room erupted as enthusiastically as it has ever done upon such a revelation.