Exciting West Coast recruit Tyler Brockman is aiming to take his football to another level next year after settling back in WA with his young family.
The Eagles secured the talented small forward in a trade with Hawthorn last Saturday, in exchange for picks 44 and 63 in the national draft.
West Coast had the option of recruiting Brockman via the pre-season draft, but opted to get a deal done with the Hawks to provide him with certainty of a move home and guarantee he could start pre-season training on day one.
Brockman has twin daughters who turn one next month and cited family reasons for returning west to the Eagles, who rated the 20-year-old highly before the Subiaco product was drafted to the Hawks via pick 46 in 2020.
“I’ve always had an interest in West Coast and they’ve always had an interest in me but just because of family reasons mainly we could get it done this year,” Brockman said.
“I feel good. I’m just glad that it’s all over and done now. It’s exciting to get back over because of family.
“With the little twins just wanted them to be back with family as well, that’s the main reason why.”
Brockman showed promising signs during his three seasons with the Hawks, booting 23 goals in 26 games.
His 2023 campaign included an impressive 15-disposal, two-goal game against West Coast and he finished the season with 13 majors in 15 appearances.
“I feel like I have some times where I play exciting, can do a couple of tricks, but this year I’m trying to get my fitness a bit better and play better footy than I did last year,” Brockman said.
“Still trying to get comfortable with the AFL standards but once I have that I should be right.”
Brockman grew up supporting the Eagles and has a strong connection with All-Australian star Liam Ryan, who played with his uncle Greg Broughton at Subiaco.
He toured the Mineral Resources Park facility on Monday and is eager to get into pre-season training from November 6.