WAFL Eagles captain Jackson Nelson says it will be a “massive privilege” to lead the young and exciting playing group in the 2023 state league season.

A marquee signing for the WAFL Eagles in the off-season, the 102 AFL-gamer has been elected skipper for the upcoming campaign.

“It’s obviously a massive privilege. There’s been some handy players who have come before me as captain in Hamish Brayshaw, Zane Sumich and Fraser McInnes,” Nelson said.

“There’s an illustrious crew there who have all done great things for the club, and to lead this exciting new group of players is an honour.

“The new draftees and new young players coming through, helping them is going to be awesome.”

Nelson rode the ups and downs of being an AFL-listed player for eight seasons and will aim to pass on his experiences to the WAFL Eagles’ emerging talent.

“Hopefully I’m a bit of a connector between the AFL and WAFL programs. It’s different to any other WAFL program, we have really excited WAFL-listed guys and then we have guys trying to find their way at AFL level,” Nelson said.

“Being the conduit between both groups will be part of my leadership.”

WAFL Eagles coach Rob Wiley has been impressed by Nelson’s commitment and work ethic over pre-season, as the team looks to rebound from a challenging season impacted by a lack of availability.

“From the moment Jacko decided to stay at West Coast and be part of the WAFL Eagles side I’ve just been impressed with his attitude, with his work ethic, on the training track he’s just led by example, pushed himself, challenged himself,” Wiley said.

“That was a really good way for the WAFL players to see an AFL player coming back and showing his work ethic on the training track.

“His knowledge of the way that West Coast want to play has also been a huge help to me and the other assistant coaches.

“Peer knowledge is gold. So not only has he had a great work ethic, he’s been able to really drive home the standards and the way we want to play.”

The WAFL Eagles have also announced 2022 skipper Sumich has been named vice-captain, with reigning best and fairest Harry Creasey and Mitch Henderson deputy vice-captains.

“Suma did a great job last year in trying conditions with COVID and injuries that we experienced - it was really impressive the way he kept the group together,” Wiley said.

“Harry Creasey and Mitch Henderson both led really well on the field last year.

“Their actions spoke really highly of who they were and, again, they are well-respected by the WAFL group.”