With each passing season, the rough diamond that was Brady Hough shines ever brighter.

One of the true success stories for West Coast in recent years, the humble Harvey local hadn’t been the name on everybody’s lips when he became an AFL player via pick 31 in the 2021 national draft.

But in the years since, the unpretentious kid and lifelong Eagles fan from WA’s south-west has grown into a fully-fledged gun in West Coast’s side.

He might not be the flashiest, other than the occasionally ambitious high fly over a pack, but that isn’t his way.

Nor should it be expected when club great Shannon Hurn was one of his mentors and early influences at Mineral Resources Park.

Instead, Hough’s adaptability and willingness to learn from every experience has been the secret to his stunning rise.

After three seasons in the AFL, Hough’s backstory is well-known.

He was a country footballer at Harvey Brunswick Leschenault playing seniors as a midfielder as recently as his draft year.

Rising to the elite level was a distant dream, but then he starred for Peel’s colts team and even made his League debut, handling each step up with a minimum of fuss to become a draft bolter. 

His three seasons at West Coast have continued that meteoric rise.

Hough made his debut in round one, 2022 and was the club’s Emerging Talent winner that year after playing 15 games.

His second season solidified his standing as a regular with another 15 appearances, before a significant leap this year.

Hough’s consistency across 23 games made him one of the first picked in match committee, and a deserving winner of the club’s Best Defensive Player award and the fifth placegetter in the Club Champion count.

“Personally, I think I had a pretty good season,” Hough said in typically understated fashion.

“I think I developed quite a bit throughout the year and I felt more confident each time I stepped out there.

“It was a great backline to be a part of with great leaders down there and I learnt a lot off them.

“I think my understanding of the game and my footy smarts improved.

“I’m learning about my opponents and teammates each time I get out there and understanding the tempo of the game.

“I’m really confident on that and each time I step out on the track for training I try and put in as much effort as I can and try to get better each day.

“There’s always something you can improve on and I’ve gone away this off-season and tried to get stronger again.

“As a whole, we’re looking to get better next year and I just can’t wait to get to work again.”

Constant improvement has been Hough’s hallmark, and the skinny youngster the Eagles drafted has given way to a man who has matched it with the best.

Originally a mid-forward as a teenager, Hough has made his name as a lockdown defender who is neat with the ball and has taken some huge scalps.

In the first half of 2024 the list included the likes of Willie Rioli, Toby Greene, Tom Papley, Jake Stringer, Bobby Hill and Kysaiah Pickett.

“I really enjoyed the challenge. I go back to reviewing them before the game and doing homework on them, and my coaches have helped me a lot in doing that,” Hough said.

“They get some clips ready for me and I sit down and watch it with them and just figure out what I need to do to nullify whoever I’m playing on.

“I love going head-to-head with someone. That competitive edge comes out and I really enjoy it.”

Now an integral player in West Coast’s build, Hough is excited for a new era beginning under Andrew McQualter.

“There’s going to be a lot of new faces and new names around the club and I think that’s really exciting,” Hough said.

“With such a young group it’s exciting to see what we can do.”