Energy levels and enthusiasm were high at West Coast training this morning as the playing group hit Domain Stadium for their final hit-out before a well-earned four-day break.
Wounded warriors Jack Redden and Dom Sheed trained away from the main group as they concentrate on healing their respective adductor and knee ailments.
Both Redden and Sheed have made big strides in their recoveries of late, increasing their running load and partaking in more kicking drills under the attentive gaze of West Coast’s training staff.
Out on the main track the squad eased into the week’s most demanding session with light skills and ball movement drills before breaking into groups to battle it out in some contested ball work.
Having already attuned their bodies after some solid competitive drills, the squad was split in two for some intense match simulation.
Mark Hutchings’ stellar performance in the gameplay simulation gave credence to his dedication this pre-season.
The resolute midfielder has been consistently among the last players to leave the club this pre-season, adding extra personal training and recovery sessions to his pre-season regimen.
Eric Mackenzie also impressed – running through rivals to win hard balls and dictating play from the back of the field – while Lewis Jetta left opponents in his wake before thumping penetrating kicks on his teammates’ chests.
Eighteen-year-old draftee Matthew Allen also shone up forward, leading up as a target for his midfield combatants, taking strong marks against taller, more match-hardened senior squad members and kicking true from several set shots.
