1. When Jayden Hunt opted for a fresh start and nominated the West Coast Eagles as his club of choice the list management staff were thrilled. He had demonstrated in his 114 games with Melbourne an appetite to run, but to also to use his penetrating right foot to send the ball forward. He bought those same attributes to the Eagles and they were evident in a modest 12 possession game, but those numbers do not tell all of the story. He’s going to be more than handy for the club over the next six or seven years.

2. The three youngsters who debuted also showed encouraging signs and fans are clearly going to warm to small forward Noah Long. He will adjust to the tempo quickly but his forward pressure was outstanding. It was a great moment when he kicked his first goal in the last quarter and players rushed from all corners to celebrate the moment. Reuben Ginbey was also solid in the midfield with 12 tackles and 15 possessions while Campbell Chesser warmed into the game while Hunt and Andrew Gaff had the majority of game time on the wings.

02:03

Long post-match v Roos

Eagles forward Noah Long describes the emotions of playing his first AFL game

3. Dom Sheed, the hero in 2018, who managed only one game last year took a little time to get rolling but was doing his best work when the Eagles were surging in the second half. He finished with 25 possessions and helped his team fight back around the contests. Together with key forward Oscar Allen (two goals) and Tom Cole he will benefit from the run.

4. The young ruck pair of Bailey Williams and Callum Jamieson worked well in tandem before the need for another player around the contests was required. Jamieson made way for Jack Petruccelle under the revised substitute rule, while Williams continued to battle – mainly with Hugh Greenwood. Williams had 37 hit outs and five marks in an encouraging performance.

06:51

Simpson post-match v Roos

Adam Simpson's post-match press conference after round one's clash against North Melbourne

5. The ever-green Shannon Hurn continues to defy his birth certificate. The veteran defender had 24 possessions – 19 kicks, five handpasses and four marks. Three of those marks were intercepts as he again combined with Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern to astutely read the ball coming into the defensive zone. Hurn gained 599 metres with his possessions and tried to get the ball moving long down the middle as the Eagles searched for a late match-winning goal.