Those who watched Brady Hough graduate through the football ranks likened him to a quality young thoroughbred racehorse who took each progressive step in his stride.

From senior football in the tough South-West competition with Harvey Brunswick-Leschenault, to colts football with Peel and then seniors for the Thunder.

A calm demeanour and a composed approach to each step in class had recruiters taking notice. To the extent that last year he moved through the order on recruiting boards to eventually be selected by the West Coast Eagles with pick #31.

Not only did his aerobic capacity impress but he also showed an adaptability to play half-back or wing and that added to the attraction for the club’s list management committee as it sought to fill specific needs in those roles.

Fast forward 12 months and even Hough is a little surprised at the opportunities he received as well as the manner in which he accepted them.

From the outset he impressed track watchers and was in the frame for an early debut even before the spate of injuries hit the club in the lead-up to round one. He debuted in the opening match against Gold Coast and that was the start of a stunning first year.

So much so that he won the Emerging Player Award to join club greats that includes Matt Priddis, Jeremy McGovern, Guy McKenna, Chris Mainwaring and Nic Naitanui to have claimed the coveted mantle.

“I probably wasn’t expecting to win it,” a humble Hough said of the award. “I knew coming in I was a bit under-sized, so I just wanted to play a few games.

“I dreamed of playing one and to play 15 games and win this award is unreal. It’s a big honour, it means a lot to me and motivates me to strive to be as good as the players before me who have won it.”

Hough was one of 16 players to debut in the season and oscillated between half-back and wing as he made strong progress in his first season at the elite level.

He was given early notice of his pending debut in the lead-up to the season opener against the Suns at Optus Stadium.     

“When it was announced that I would be making my debut I was overwhelmed and shocked,” he said as he reflected on his rapid rise from country football to the highest tier. “I was told early in the week so I had a bit of time to work through it and then just focus on the game.

“I was so nervous and I was just pinching myself.

“There were a few injuries in pre-season which was unfortunate, but I was thinking there might be a chance to play some early games. When it was announced in the training hall and I had a few older blokes in my ear it was a bit surreal.

“The tempo was really fast and it took a while to adjust to the pace, but I got used to it eventually.”

Hough believes that playing country football against adults in the highly-regarded South-West competition helped him adjust to his AFL opportunity.

“I had played one league game in the WAFL but I had also played against men in the country so I felt comfortable playing against the bigger bodies,” he said.    

“This off-season I want to put on a bit of size but I want to maintain my running capacity. I can keep working on my skills and decision making but I need to get a bit bigger.

“I learn something new every day and I’m sure that will continue. I enjoyed playing half-back and wing, but if I had to pick one ahead of the other I’d take the wing.

“I learnt a lot from Reddo (Jack Redden) and Masto (Chris Masten) when he was runner and I’d like to continue play there and grow a bit more.”

Hough is an important part of the long-term plan for the club to rebound as it develops the younger cohort in building a team that can play finals again.

With Rhett Bazzo, Jai Culley, Greg Clark and Jack Williams – all of whom were recruited in the last 12 months – as well as Campbell Chesser and the influx of youngsters who joined the Eagles in the recent National Draft, they hold the future of the club.