As far as pre-season hit-outs are concerned the Eagles match simulation session on Thursday night ticked a lot of boxes.

Not the least of them being that they came through a physical four quarter contest unscathed. Tick.

Senior players Elliot Yeo, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass, Tim Kelly, Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman, Jamie Cripps, Alex Witherden, Jayden Hunt and Matt Flynn all shone. Tick.

A number of the younger players also excelled with Reuben Ginbey relishing the contest in the engine room with draftee Clay Hall, Hawthorn recruit Tyler Brockman displayed dash and skill, Ryan Maric was lively up front and Bailey Willams impacted both on ball and in attack. Tick

Loch Rawlinson had some good moments and appeals as a canny rookie selection while Next Generation Academy product Tyrell Dewar has grown markedly as a player and athlete in the last 12 months. Tick.

Importantly, ruckman Callum Jamieson played some good minutes after a summer working through groin soreness and looked athletic and hungry. And Luke Edwards, who has had a hip niggle of late, and Coby Burgiel also enjoyed some important game time. Tick.

Former Collingwood defender Trey Ruscoe and GWS youngster Jason Gillbee impressed and impacted. Recruited to bolster the club’s WAFL depth Ruscoe initially played a customary defensive role before moving forward and kicking three last quarter goals. Gillbee showed courage, poise and rebound out of defence. Tick.

It’s always difficult to gauge where a program is at until players pit their skills against opposition clubs, but there were only positives out of last night’s hit out.

Moved away from today’s forecast 40 degree heat to an evening exercise, there will be some sore boys today. But it will be ‘good’ sore as they build towards the physical demands of the upcoming season.