West Coast coach Adam Simpson can sense a new era coming for the Eagles' transitioning squad, with competition for spots heating up as practice matches begin to take shape on the pre-season horizon.
After a wretched run with injury and illness last year, the Eagles are building towards competitive matches and Simpson hailed the playing group as fit as he has seen heading into his 10th season at the helm.
Importantly, key young leaders Oscar Allen, Tom Cole and Dom Sheed have bounced back from injury-ruined campaigns, and effectively loom as new recruits in 2023.
All-Australian stars Jeremy McGovern, Ellliot Yeo and Nic Naitanui have also been in fine touch during match simulation since the Christmas break, raising hopes they can put interrupted campaigns behind them.
But there is also a refreshed look about the group, with recruit Jayden Hunt adding dash and dare, a host of draftees bringing youthful exuberance, plus the likes of Callum Jamieson, Luke Edwards, Xavier O'Neill, Brady Hough and Jai Culley pushing to take the next step in their fledgling careers.
“We just want to get better. It is a new era coming,” Simpson said on Wednesday.
“With the unity of the group, that continues to shine from dealing with adversity last year, health and fitness is a priority and they are probably as fit as I’ve seen them.
“That’s a big tick for us, and now it’s (about) overlaying some football.
“Getting everyone back to full fitness was the priority post-season, and for the large part we’ve done that.
“Then overlaying some youth into the side – like I said it is a bit of a new era coming up – so that’s been a work in progress and then getting a style of play which will be new as well.”
The battle for spots has intensified during match simulation, with developing big men Bailey Williams and Jamieson fighting to support Naitanui in the ruck, while young key forward Jack Williams continues to impress with his craft and competitiveness.
Skilled utility Samo Petrevski-Seton, speedster Jack Petruccelle and energetic draftee Noah Long have also caught the eye during match simulation, with Jamaine Jones’ dash at both ends of the park another highlight.
In other promising news, 2021 draftee Campbell Chesser is building towards returning to main training after a serious ankle injury wiped out his debut season in the west.
“I think he played five games in his draft year and then he played no games last year, so that’s going to be a slower build,” Simpson said.
“Just getting him on the track, getting him feeling good about his body, he’s naturally pretty fit, so I think we’ll start seeing some match play end of February, maybe.
“Getting him through a good training block, he’s probably ready for that now, and we’ll see how we go.”
Simpson didn’t want to place too much expectation on Chesser, or top draftee Reuben Ginbey, who has caught the eye with his athleticism and versatility to play across half-back or in midfield.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on the kid,” Simpson said of Ginbey.
“Physically he’s in the top couple for speed, and the top couple for endurance, and he’s 190cm but he’s 18 so we won’t put too much pressure on him – I probably just did,” Simpson added with a wry laugh.
“But he’s got the capability of play this year, that’s for sure.”
Simpson also said there was no timeframe for grieving defender Rhett Bazzo to return to the club following the tragic loss of his mother, Kylie, in a boating accident at the weekend.
“We’re supporting him as much as we can as a club and his family is the priority,” Simpson said.
“We’ll give him as much time as he needs with his family. Football is not the priority right now with him.”
