Speedy recruit Jayden Hunt is energised by the fresh opportunity at West Coast and relishing the opportunity to help mentor some of the exciting next generation of Eagles so far this summer.

Hunt arrived in the west ready to hit the ground running after deciding on a career move as an unrestricted free agent following 114 games for Melbourne.

The attacking half-back is currently living with premiership defender Tom Cole and has quickly settled into the Eagles’ nest.

“Absolutely loving it. It’s been two weeks now so I’m settling a bit and getting to know my surrounds, all my teammates and coaches so much better. It’s been a great two weeks,” Hunt said.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised with how welcoming everyone is. It feels like a family club, so I’ve been welcomed in with open arms. It’s only been a couple of weeks and I feel very comfortable already.”

Quizzed on his motivations for the cross-country move, Hunt said he viewed the West Coast list as having plenty of room for improvement after a challenging 2022.

“I saw this as a fresh opportunity, provide plenty of energy for me. West Coast in particular, obviously they were very disappointed this year but I see the list with such a scope for improvement and I’m really excited to be part of that,” he said.

“I view myself as a positive, energetic person. Speaking to the coaches they want to bring me that out as well.

“I knew a little bit how much struggles they had to deal with last year through injuries and COVID but didn’t really know the extent to it.

“I think everyone is just really optimistic and excited. Most of the list is really healthy now, they came back really fit. The whole place has a positive spin, which is great.”

Hunt, 27, has already taken a shine to draftees Coby Burgiel and Noah Long, who are also blessed with raw pace and are set to bring excitement to the playing group next year.

“I come with a bit of experience. This is a younger team than Melbourne, less experienced, so I see myself being a leader here and mentoring some of the young guys, which I love doing,” he said.

“(Burgiel and Long) haven’t done full training yet, but I think this more they’ll start to get into a bit more drills, but you can already see the little snippets we have seen of them they’re really skillful, really fast players.

“Definitely I look forward to working with them and showing them what I’ve gone through and how I’ve improved.”

Used in a variety of roles at the Demons, including in attack at times, Hunt is likely to start across half-back for West Coast and bring dash and dare to the line-up.

“Talking to ‘Simmo’ (coach Adam Simpson) he’s given me the licence to take it on. We need that speed and fast ball movement,” Hunt said.

“I think that’s my greatest strength, using my speed to break lines, so I think that half-back role with a little bit of wing role as well, so I’m excited.

"Optus is a fairly big oval as well, so I’m looking forward to using my strength.”

Hunt, who is yet to decide on which headband he will wear next year after famously donning a blue and red version at Melbourne, admitted he had taken “a little look” when West Coast will face the Dees in 2023 – round four at Optus – after the AFL fixture reveal at the weekend.

“I reckon it will be a bit of fun. I’ve got a few friends there obviously,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to playing the Dees, for sure.”.