The next generation of West Coast Eagles will be unveiled when the club opens its 2023 campaign against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
Three of the club’s emerging stars have been selected to make their senior debut against the Roos while former Demon Jayden Hunt will play his first game in blue and gold.
Campbell Chesser, the club’s first selection (#14) in the 2021 National Draft, will get his long-awaited opportunity, while the club’s top pick from last November, Reuben Ginbey (#9), as well as the player secured with the club’s final selection Noah Long (#58) will also get an early taste of senior football.
Chesser was on track to debut in the opening round last season before a nasty ankle injury in a pre-season hit-out against Fremantle caused him to miss the entire 2022 campaign.
He has worked diligently on his recovery and preparation and will now get his chance in the midfield against North.
Ginbey, from Dunsborough, was the club’s primary target in last year’s ballot and has not disappointed since his arrival.
He has been a standout on the training track and excelled in match simulation and practice matches playing through the midfield and in defence.
Go well boys! pic.twitter.com/eT3F480SbI
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) March 14, 2023
Long looms as a late draft gem, joining the band of last year’s intake with a strong and impressive pre-season. The small forward has some class and football smarts and will enjoy an early opportunity.
Hunt joined the club as unrestricted free agent after 114 games for Melbourne and has shone with his dash and dare off half-back.
