The exciting reality of becoming AFL players was starting to sink in for West Coast’s latest crop of draftees after they hit the training track for their first session in blue and gold at Mineral Resources Park on Monday.
In humid conditions, the youngsters were held back from going full throttle but got a taste of the demands placed on more seasoned bodies around them on the first day back for the Eagles’ entire playing squad.
Beanpole key forward Archer Reid had some familiar faces alongside in fellow Gippsland Power products Coby Burgiel and Ryan Maric who, along with new housemate Elliot Yeo, helped him settle in after bidding his “teary” mum farewell on Friday to head west.
“Surreal. It was great to get out there, I was so excited,” Reid said following the session.
“I felt really comfortable. The boys make you feel really welcome out there, especially the veterans, they’re great and the young boys.
“I know Coby Burgiel and Ryan Maric and they made me feel so welcome, I was just hanging out with them on Saturday.
“I’m going to be very competitive and try my best. I want to do really well for the club and be a long-term player.”
Clay Hall (main picture) hasn’t had to move as far as Reid, Sandringham product Harvey Johnston or SA speester Loch Rawlinson, and the Binningup product is following in his father Derek’s footsteps at the Eagles.
Derek played two games for West Coast in 1993 before moving to Geelong, and was by his son’s side as the tough midfielder’s name was called at pick 38 in the draft.
“Still on top of the world. It only really started to feel real today when I got to come into the club and get to train with the boys,” Hall said.
“It’s really starting to sink in now.
“(Dad didn’t say) too much. He was just pretty emotional. He was really proud, which was good to see.”
Hall is building into training following a back injury he played with throughout most of 2023, including the national championships, when he went head-to-head against No.1 pick Harley Reid at the WACA and ultimately earned All-Australian selection.
Hall has moved in with Dom Sheed until he learns the ropes and will bring his uncompromising attitude to the Eagles.
“Just (want) to really crack in. Not really leave anything behind. With a bit of a struggling group over the past few years you can see the hunger the group has and I don’t want to let any of them down by dropping behind the group,” Hall said.
“Just want to set my standards really high, set a few goals and try tick all of them off while working as hard as I can.”
Skilful midfielder Johnston quit his job at Coles after hearing his name called at pick 49 overall and is soaking up the experience after heading west, while rookie selection Rawlinson and category B rookie Coen Livingstone, from Perth, were also getting their first taste of the action on Monday.
Johnston has moved in with Liam Duggan and is keeping a close eye on John Worsfold medallist Tim Kelly and emerging star Reuben Ginbey to learn successful habits.
“Tim Kelly, just the way he goes about it is really good. Also, Reuben Ginbey, the boys talk about how (impressive) of a trainer he is and how well he sets himself apart from other people," Johnston said.
“Just looking at different aspects of each player in whatever position and seeing how they go about it at training and how they go about it for games and training sessions.
“I just (want) to be respected by all my peers and the people around me and the players, just get them to think I’m that hard-working kid that wants to get that opportunity and excel when I get that opportunity to play an AFL game.”
