An intense summer preparing for the looming 2024 campaign went up another notch during Saturday’s hard-fought intraclub, defender Jayden Hunt says.

The Eagles pushed through hot conditions across three 30-minute periods, tuning up for match simulation against Fremantle in seven days’ time.

“It was a good hit-out. it was really competitive and good final prep for Freo next week,” Hunt said.

“These last few weeks it’s almost like you’re itching to get into real opposition, which is a good thing, it means the boys are ready.

“We definitely took it up another level today and we’re going to have to step it up a level next week against real oppo.”

Hunt was one of the stars on Saturday with his trademark dash and dare from half-back complemented by sublime foot skills to set up attacking forays for the ‘probables’ line-up.

The former Demon credited West Coast’s high performance team for getting the players ready for the season by stepping up in high-speed, repeat effort running over summer.

Coming off a superb first season in blue and gold that ended with fourth-place in the Club Champion award, the 28-year-old feels primed for 2024.

“I was pretty happy. it was good to mesh with the other backs and build that chemistry,” Hunt said.

“I thought we worked together really well. We had plenty of options to get out of D50 with the forwards working pretty hard, so I was pretty happy.”

There were several exciting performances on Saturday, including from the likes of veteran Jamie Cripps who kicked the opening three goals and bullocking midfielder Elliot Yeo.

“I’ve never really seen a Yeoy like that on my team,” Hunt said. “He was a bit injured last year but again he has just been absolutely dominating so I’m so excited to be alongside him.”

Young guns Harley Reid and Campbell Chesser went head-to-head on opposing teams at centre bounces and both showed their quality in tight.

“(Harley) obviously does a couple of things no one else can do, which is pretty amazing stuff. Good hit-out and I’m looking forward to watching him against Freo and in the season,” Hunt said.

“You’ve got to sometimes take a backwards step and watch him go about it. Some of the other younger guys showed some good things, so I’m optimistic and hopefully we can build that into the season.

“(Chesser) has been working really hard. He adds that little bit different dynamic, he’s super fast and explosive.

“I reckon he was really impressive today.”

Disappointingly, draftee Clay Hall was a casualty with an ankle issue that ended his day prematurely in the second quarter.

“I hate seeing it. It happens in pre-season, the way we’ve got to push ourselves – which we have to do – one or two are going to go down, I think that’s League-wide.

“It is definitely heartbreaking to see because he’s been super, super impressive for an 18-year-old around the ball and he’s also the last couple of weeks exploded out of stoppage, which is so good to see.

“I’ll know he’ll be pretty disappointed, but fingers crossed it’s not too bad.”

Hall will be sent for scans to assess the damage and the club will provide an update when available.