He is midway through his rookie season but promising defender Brady Hough says walking into the Eagles’ nest each day and stepping onto the same AFL ground as some of his heroes is still a “surreal” feeling. 

Drafted via pick 31 last year, the Harvey product made an immediate impression at Mineral Resources Park with his athleticism, neat skills and composure.

It put Hough in the mix for a round one debut and, when an availability crisis struck the squad, the 19-year-old was a lock to run out against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium in the club’s season-opener.

“I’ve loved it since I’ve got here since day one. Obviously it was a dream come true to get drafted. Every day I walk in and some days I still can’t believe it. Loving each day,” Hough said.

“It’s obviously a pretty big step up. Played league football down home and was exposed to some bigger bodies.

“It was a big step up but I’m working on my game and craft and hopefully keep stepping up.”

There have been interruptions, including a period in the Health and Safety Protocols, followed by a WAFL stint and back injury, but coach Adam Simpson is keen to keep the emerging backman in the side following an impressive effort against the Bulldogs last round. 

In his best game to date, Hough gathered 23 disposals and took 11 marks on a tough night for the team, and despite a series of heavy losses he maintains the spirit amongst the group is strong.

“It’s never left. The morale has always been there. Since I’ve got here that’s all I’ve known. It’s great morale and a great bunch of people,” he said.

The stringbean half-back, who has put on five kilograms since he was drafted at just 77kg and grown a few centimetres, is only five games into his career but soaking up everything he can from the likes of Josh Kennedy and Shannon Hurn.

“It’s surreal. Watching on them TV since I was five, some of them, so to be out there on the park with them, it’s crazy,” Hough said.

“Came into the system, I’ve been training at half-back, so the likes of Liam Duggan, Tom Cole, ‘Bunga’ (Hurn), they’ve all been massive for me.

“Keep taking notes out of their book and I’m learning a lot from them.

“There’s obviously always room for improvement. I’ve got a lot of things to still work on.”