It was an energetic start to the West Coast Eagles’ week, with the team coming onto the track fresh faced and in high spirits, just 41 days out from opening round.
The conditions were a lot more pleasant compared to last week’s heat wave, but a powerful breeze had an impact, carrying a few kicks away from desired targets.
Burgiel is back
Young defender Coby Burgiel returned to training with the main group on Monday, following time on the sidelines recovering from a minor hamstring strain. The 19-year-old, who has been unlucky with injury since arriving at the club in 2022, looked to be in fine form as he participated in drills, tackling his teammates and weaving through contests.
Jai jumps for joy
In promising signs, Jai Culley’s ACL recovery is nearing its end, the exciting midfielder joining the team on the track and reminding everyone of his slick ball movement, accuracy off the boot and skills evading his opposition. He even participated in an end-of-session marking drill, leaping off the ground and taking some nice grabs in the air.
Flynn is feelin’ it
Big man Matt Flynn continues to reinforce his role as primary ruck, the former GWS Giant using his impressive stature and composure under pressure to positively impact drills and game-play. Standing at 202cm, Flynn is deceptively agile, easily getting low to recover loose balls, while having no trouble getting off the ground to take a strong mark, as witnessed on multiple occasions in Monday’s session.
Ryan ticks rehab boxes
Liam Ryan’s hamstring rehabilitation is well on its way, the premiership forward pleasingly making an appearance on the track on Monday. Ryan did some light stretching work on the ground, before incorporating some stair walks, and finishing with walking laps around the oval.
Ginbey gets going
Young gun Reuben Ginbey continues to go from strength to strength, his big body making it tough for his teammates to bring him down, while his own tackling techniques are hard to escape from. Having recently spent some time on lighter duties, Ginbey joined the team on Monday for majority of the session, holding an imposing presence around the contest, and displaying his impressive off-season development.
