Since the retirement of club great Philip Matera in 2005, the club has been on the search for a replacement but hasn’t quite found the right player just yet.
Karpany was quick to say where he could see himself making an impact for the Eagles.
“I’d probably say small forward or on the wing where there’s a lot of space to run,” he said.
“Hopefully I can fill that spot, there were obviously a lot of retirees at the end of the season.”
Growing up supporting Port Adelaide, West Coast would be delighted if Karpany can emulate the feats of his boyhood idol, Gavin Wanganeen.
“Wanganeen was a good player and a good role model,” Karpany said with a smile.
“We’ll see what happens.”
Karpany, who left behind close family ties in South Australia, says although it will be a tough transition across to WA, he’s ready for the challenge.
“It’s obviously going to be a lot harder, WA is so far from SA,” said Karpany.
“I won’t be able to see family as much, but I think it’s a good step to learn how to be more independent.
“It’s going to be good I think.
“They (my family) were pretty happy for me, a bit emotional at the airport yesterday, but I think they’ll get over it.”
The pacey Karpany will be comforted by the fact other ‘crow eaters’, such as Beau Waters and Shannon Hurn, have made the move to the West and thrived in their time at the Eagles.
“I chatted to a few of them out at training this morning, and got to know them a bit,” he said.
“It’s good to know there’s a few of them here.
“I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
