West Coast narrowly missed out on the four points on Sunday against St Kilda, but the Eagles saw more exciting green shoots emerge from their next generation in a competitive display.
In the eight-point defeat at Optus Stadium, seven talented teenagers and a pair of 20-year-olds took the field for West Coast.
Eighteen-year-old Noah Long, who kicked a stunning Goal of the Year contender in the first quarter, believed Sunday’s game provided a glimpse into the future for the Eagles.
Elijah Hewett (two goals) and Campbell Chesser (13 disposals) played their best games in blue and gold, while mid-season draftee Ryan Maric (two goals) and Jack Williams (one) impressed in attack.
Young gun Reuben Ginbey and defenders Rhett Bazzo and Brady Hough showed more encouraging signs on a day fans could clearly see the talented core the Eagles are building.
Developing ruck Harry Barnett also played his first game starting as the tactical sub and became the fourth member of West Coast’s 2022 national draft class to debut this season.
“I think moments like today really excited everyone,” Long said.
“Ryan has found his feet really quickly with a couple of goals, Elijah brings his energy, and then obviously Reuben has been super consistent, I think moments like today will really excite us going forward.”
With a tight friendship blossoming between the two crafty forwards, Long said the return of Jamie Cripps was incredibly beneficial for him personally, and the younger group.
“It’s handy having Crippa back, he just offers so much calmness, leadership and experience in the forward line,” Long said.
“It’s just handy to have someone I can look to and lean on if things get a bit confusing or tough, and then also just having him back to kick goals and provide pressure and do what he does best.
“It helps us boys to feed off that, I love having him back.”
Playing in front of a crowd of over 35,500 on Sunday, Long praised the fans and said their support really means a lot to the team.
“After a tough week, it means a lot to know we still have the support,” Long said.
“We’re trying our hardest and I hope moments like today they can take away with them and cherish.”
Looking forward to round 17, Long hopes the team can build on the momentum from Sunday’s game and carry it with them when they face Brisbane in a challenging clash at the Gabba on Saturday at 11.45am WST.
“It will be crucial for us young boys to just ride the momentum of today,” Long said.
“We’ll get to work, scout Brisbane and then hopefully we can carry this through into next week and keep the fans excited.”
