The West Coast Eagles resumed pre-season training on Thursday following a short break over the Christmas and New Year period, with ruck Matt Flynn raring to go ahead of a big 2025.

Speaking to media on the first day back, Flynn reflected on his 2024 season, after suffering a freak hamstring tendon injury just days before round one, followed by a frustrating ankle setback.

Having overcome those issues, the 202cm big man has completed a strong pre-season to date and has impressed on the track with his running capacity.

“It was a big learning year for me, I came across to a new city and a new club and I didn’t know anyone over here,” Flynn said.

“That was all a challenge in itself, and then to get injured right on the eve of the season wasn’t really ideal, but I learnt a lot about myself, and I leant into the support from the people around me.

“Now I just want to set myself up for a big 2025, with new coaching staff and new players around me and I’m really excited.”

With pre-season training back in full swing, the players commenced their first session with a gruelling running test, won in impressive fashion by recruit Jack Graham.

“It was tough, there’s no harder way to start than a time trial,” Flynn said.

“It was good, all the boys turned up in pretty good shape after a couple of weeks off.

“I’m sure it will only get harder through the end of January.”

Competing with fellow ruck Bailey Williams for the primary role this season, Flynn said there’s some healthy rivalry between the two teammates.

“I think with every club it’s always like that with the ruck positions, there’s one position for the both of us really, and maybe one might get swung forward here and there,” Flynn said.

“Baz’ and I are really good mates, we get along really well, but there is a bit of competitiveness there with us.

“I’m not sure which way that’s going to land or what the team structure is going to look like going forward, but it’s been a good battle thus far.

“He was a little bit limited pre-Christmas, but it’ll be exciting to train against him over the next six or seven weeks.”

Coming into his second season in the blue and gold, Flynn shared his main focus points and short-term goals as the pre-season progresses.

“For me at the moment it’s just working on the follow up and tackle pressure,” Flynn said.

“It’s something that when I’m playing good footy it’s there, and last year it wasn’t there unfortunately.

“It’s also building my tank to allow myself to have those repeat efforts and impact the game in that way.”

With a number of exciting young players coming through the ranks, Flynn said he’s been impressed with the development of tall forward Archer Reid.

“I think the consensus pick pre-Christmas was Archer Reid,” Flynn said.

“Once again, he trained well today, he’s looking good, he’s a big lad and he’s got some good players to learn off in Oscar (Allen) and Jake Waterman.

“I think Archer is putting himself in a good position to take the year on.”