With the first NAB Challenge match only weeks away, the intensity at training was palpable as the Eagles players were put through a series of 20-minute ‘quarters’ on Patersons Stadium.

Lifting to match intensity, the boys didn’t disappoint showing they’ve adapted beautifully to the sweeping changes that occurred at West Coast in the off-season.

The midfield trio of Chris Masten, Luke Shuey and Scott Selwood were prominent, as were young guns Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo.

Young power-forwards Jeremy McGovern and Fraser McInnes were also in good form, taking several clunking marks down forward, showing they’re ready to take the next step and push for senior selection.

Defender Eric Mackenzie, runner-up in the 2013 John Worsfold medal, was resolute down back, his dashing play finished with precision kicking a highlight.

Alongside Mackenzie, the evergreen Darren Glass was extremely vocal down back, continually barking instructions to his teammates and ‘opponents’ alike, showing he has lost no appetite for competition.

It’s obvious the players are ready for the matches to begin, after putting in so much work to this point in the pre-season, with plenty of work still to come before the opening match of the season in round one against the Western Bulldogs on March 23.