West Coast midfielder Elliot Yeo said opportunity knocks for West Coast’s younger contingent this weekend, with a number of developing players in the mix for selection.
After naming a number of debutants this season – including ruckman Callum Jamieson and SSP signing Patrick Naish – it’s expected the Eagles’ younger players will continue to grow their experience this Sunday with a number of key personnel still unavailable.
West Coast will face reigning premiers Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon with the top side currently undefeated after eight rounds.
“To be exposed to basically the best team in the competition at the moment, certainly is a big challenge,” Yeo told 96FM.
“You’ve got to prepare that all their players are going to play and they’re going to put their best team forward at this point.
“(But) it’s great that all the players that haven’t really had an opportunity beforehand, they’re starting to get a crack now.”
Spearhead Josh Kennedy is also expecting an effort-based performance despite the Eagles still grappling with a number of injuries.
Although West Coast are hopeful a few players could return to the side this weekend with skipper Luke Shuey (hamstring) ruck-forward Bailey Williams (hamstring) and Greg Clark (Health and Safety Protocols) all possible inclusions.
“It’s another challenge, there’s been plenty of challenges thrown at us this year, this is just another one, we’ll hopefully get a few players back, I’m not too sure how many there will be,” Kennedy told 6PR.
“But, we’ve just got to keep chipping away through the week, the boys have just got to keep themselves in the mirror and keep investing in themselves.
“Can’t really rely on other people investing in them, it’s all individual-based and making sure that they’re doing the best they can to get better and help this team keep driving forward.”
Despite a difficult start to the season – currently sitting 1-7 – the Eagles are eager to improve on the training track and bring a competitive attitude ahead of the clash with Melbourne.
“The boys, as much as things are going on, are looking forward to getting back out there, and hopefully being able to put up an effort and that’s one satisfying to the club, but also the fans,” Kennedy said.
“That’s all you can do, that’s what you get taught as a kid, go out there and have a crack and have fun doing it while you can.
“Regardless of what your talent is or where you should be, that’s all we can ask for from our players, and that starts on the training track.
“Making sure you get everything right around based around yourself, your skills, your fundamentals, your fitness, your strength, also your mental side.
“Just keep building that and little gains every week, as much as it’s a tough time we’ll keep chipping through them. It’s the cycles of AFL football.
“We’ll keep working through it and we’ll come out the other side better than ever.”
