Mineral Resources Park was buzzing with positive energy and excitement for the West Coast Eagles’ first training session of the new year.

The ground was lined with eager fans of all ages, watching on as their favourite players got back to business, refreshed after a short break over Christmas and the New Year.

The team hit the ground running, with an impressive number of players on the track as their pre-season schedule resumed.

The team started with an extensive warmup, followed by some ball and body work, before breaking off into match simulation to wrap up the two-hour session.

In pleasing signs, high-flying Liam Ryan displayed some fancy footwork and impressive movement as he builds back from a season-ending hamstring injury that saw him sidelined from round three last year.

Jake Waterman has been a powerhouse on the training track this pre-season, showing remarkable signs with his fitness and his football after spending time away from the game with a medical condition in the second half of 2023.  

The mobile tall forward was in scintillating touch during gameplay, and booted a miraculous and quick-thinking goal off the ground when he pounced on a loose ball and cleverly flicked it through with the outside of his right boot.

A freshly shorn Coby Burgiel and zippy utilities Jayden Hunt and Brady Hough caught the eye, while there were pleasing signs with dual Club Champion Elliot Yeo moving freely and starting in the centre square for match simulation.

While emerging midfield cohort Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett were among those on lighter duties, Campbell Chesser also got a start in the middle alongside reigning best and fairest Tim Kelly.

Experienced midfielder Dom Sheed watched from the sidelines but was out of his moon boot as he recovers from a foot complaint and chatted to board member Justin Langer during the session.

Key defender Harry Edwards took some positive steps forward and was competitive in the air during match simulation work, while star full-back Tom Barrass was impassable.

The Eagles’ recent draftees were absent due to commitments in Melbourne at the AFL Players’ Association Induction Camp.

Training concluded with a signing session, the players making their way around the ground engaging with fans, having photos taken and autographing guernseys, hats, balls and other supporter items.

Two lucky youngsters caught fan-favourite Noah Long’s eye with a hand-made sign, resulting in the pair leaving with Long’s signed football boots, and a selfie for the memory bank.