Dashing defender Jayden Hunt is keen to rediscover his ‘attacking flair’ off half-back after agreeing to join West Coast as a free agent.

Hunt’s move from Melbourne was confirmed on Monday, with the 27-year-old excited by the opportunity to relocate to the other side of the country for a fresh start.

“Very excited to be heading over to the west with such a big club in the Eagles and a really emerging list looking to improve. Very much looking forward to it,” Hunt told Sportsday WA.

“There was a bit of interest (from other clubs) but West Coast were definitely keen from a little bit of the second half of the year.

“I hadn’t given it much thought beforehand but then when I thought about the possibility of moving over to the west and trying something completely different with an emerging list I was like ‘this could be very well suited’.”

Hunt toured Mineral Resources Park with coach Adam Simpson last week before playing a round of golf at Lake Karrinyup and going to dinner with some prospective new Eagles teammates, and was quickly sold on the idea of moving to Perth.

“I got a really good feel. It seems such a good bunch of guys. I really like the lifestyle over there,” he said.

“I really left Perth in a really good mindset this was the right option.”

Hunt played 114 games for the Demons, including 20 in each of the past two seasons, but was desperately unlucky to miss out on the 2021 premiership won at Optus Stadium due to an ankle injury.

The speedster was asked to play a more defensive role this year but is keen to get back to taking the game on and using his pace on the open expanses of West Coast’s home ground.

“Over the years I’ve mostly played that half-back role with a few seasons here and there dabbling at half-forward and the wing, but one thing I’ve spoken to West Coast about is getting that attacking flair off half-back again,” Hunt said.

“I played a real defensive game this year for Melbourne because they needed someone to fulfill that role.

“I’m confident I can do that, but I think I bring my greatest strength with my speed being my biggest asset.

“Being able to run on Optus, a big ground, and having the licence to take the game on, bring my speed and bring back that attacking flair I had earlier in my career.”

Part of Hunt’s signature style West Coast fans might be familiar with has been the Demons-coloured headband he has worn in games, but the new Eagle is still deciding whether he will continue that tradition with a blue and gold accessory out west.

“I don’t know about that. It might be a good opportunity to go back to a normal, conservative black one,” Hunt said with a laugh.

“I don’t know yet. I’ve got to think about it.”