West Coast Eagles recruit Jack Graham moved to Perth just weeks ago and is already loving his new life on the west coast, after signing a four-year deal with the club as an unrestricted free agent.
One of nine new additions to the Eagles squad this off-season, the two-time Richmond premiership player said he’s gotten off to a good start.
“Footy clubs are great places, they’re all kind of similar,” Graham said.
“Everyone is good, friendly, everyone wants to get better, but it’s been really good and I’m loving my time here.
“I’ve only been here for three weeks but I’m absolutely loving it, all the boys are getting around us new fellas.
“There’s so many young boys and also experienced heads, so it gels well, and it’s been a good pre-season so far.”
Perth is currently experiencing its first real taste of heat this summer, with the Eagles bringing their training session forward today to limit time in the 39-degree conditions.
“It’s warming up over here, that’s one thing I’ve got to get used to, but I’m loving it,” Graham said.
“I’m not complaining about the heat after some of the sessions in Melbourne where it’s pretty cold and you’ve got the skins on, but I’m loving it, it’s good fun.”
Having spent time on the track with his new teammates, Graham is impressed with what he’s seen from some of the youngsters.
“There are so many young fellas that have shown a lot of potential,” Graham said.
“I know it’s only early, but Archer Reid, Loch (Rawlinson), there’s so many who are putting their best foot forward, training hard, the intensity and intent is what I’m loving seeing.
“Blokes are flying in, crashing, when we’re doing our reviews, that’s what ‘Mini’ (Andrew McQualter) wants to bring to the West Coast football club, second and third efforts, so it’s been good so far.”
Known for his strength and running power through the midfield, the forward-mid said he’s happy to play any role that the team requires.
“That hasn’t really been discussed just yet, I can play forward and midfield so I’m sure there will be a bit of a balance between there,” Graham said.
“Ideally, in the midfield with my transition running, that’s probably my biggest strength contest to contest, but whatever ‘Mini’ needs of me, and whatever the team need I’m happy to do.”
Graham expressed his excitement of playing with some of the experienced names in the Eagles midfield, and has been embracing the learnings from former opponent-turned-midfield coach Luke Shuey.
“Working with a midfield like (Elliot) Yeo, (Dom) Sheed, ‘TK’ (Tim Kelly), they’re pretty experienced and exciting players,” Graham said.
“Obviously Harley (Reid), Elijah Hewett who hasn’t been out on the park for the last year, but we’re already seeing what he’s doing this pre-season and it’s pretty special.
“And (Luke) Shuey is my midfield coach at the moment, and just the knowledge and experience he brings, its’ pretty exciting to listen to how he went about it or what he thinks of different scenarios, so I’ve just been listening to him and soaking it up.”
