Kicking four goals in his first match as a forward was a confidence-booster for Jai Culley and the West Coast youngster says he is open-minded to remaining in attack.
Recruited as a big-bodied midfielder via the No.1 pick in the 2022 mid-season draft, Culley trained his secondary role over pre-season and grabbed the opportunity with both hands against Port Adelaide.
“It was a different role for me playing up forward. Something new, something fresh, which is pretty exciting for me,” Culley said.
“I went in there pretty open-minded and managed to kick a few, but at the end of the day we didn’t get the win which we were looking for."
Culley got to dangerous places and slotted 4.1 from 10 disposals against the Power. Standing at 194cm, he has the size to be a threat in the air or at ground level.
“I’m pretty open to anything, whether it’s forward or mid. As long as I’m playing AFL I’m happy," he said.
“Our forward coach ‘Webby’ (Luke Webster) has been pretty big for me, especially just the little things that go unnoticed and little craft techniques that I’m working on this week.”
Culley kicked the Eagles’ opening goal after cleverly roving Jack Darling’s marking attempt, but then bounced back from a Tom Jonas bump and half-time concussion assessment to snare three more after the long break.
The 20-year-old slotted his second from a classy set shot after wrapping up Jonas in a tackle, before just making contact with a soccer attempt from the goalline and then crumbing for his fourth in the last term.
Culley’s left eye was still swollen and bruised on Tuesday from the Jonas bump but the tough Dandenong product insisted he was feeling “fresh as a daisy” ahead of a home clash against Carlton.
“It’s not too bad. Obviously copped one on the weekend but good to go this week,” Culley said.
“I feel fine. Passed all the initial tests and did one yesterday and passed all that.
“Fresh as a daisy.”
Yet to taste victory in his seven AFL appearances, Culley insisted the young Eagles receiving opportunities during the club’s injury crisis were relishing the chance to grow at the elite level, but also wanted to win.
“Carlton’s a pretty good side. Saturday night game which is pretty good. The boys are pumped this week,” Culley said.
“We’re all going in pretty positive, open-minded and ready to go this week.
“I’m getting these opportunities to play each week so I’m pretty grateful for that but at the same time we want to win games.
“I think all us (young) boys are loving bringing the energy. It’s good that we can all play together.
“We can’t wait to play with each other for the next few years.”
