In warm Perth conditions, the West Coast Eagles bested Richmond in match simulation today, with former Tiger Jack Graham and his new teammates showcasing some impressive football throughout the three 25-minute periods.

After an extensive pre-season period, dual premiership player Graham was pleased to return to the field and face an opposition again.

“It was great, great fun,” Graham said.

“Pre-season is long and hard, and you verse each other every session, so it’s good to come up against a different opposition, and it’s funny that it had to be the old mob Richmond.

“There was a bit of banter out there, a few knocks here and there, but it’s just good to be playing footy.”

While a number of big names watched on from the sidelines, including midfielders Elliot Yeo, Harley Reid and Tim Kelly, Graham said the team were prepared to filter different players through the middle.

“It was a bit different, but the whole pre-season we’ve had a lot of boys go through the midfield,” Graham said.

“I think that’s what ‘Mini’ (Andrew McQualter) wants to do, use players through there, so today we just wanted to get to work.

“I thought we did that for most of the three quarters, and I thought everyone played pretty well today, still a lot to improve, but we’re getting there.” 

It was an impressive showing from some of the Eagles’ young guns, including 20-year-old forward Tyrell Dewar, who got the crowd on their feet with two incredible marking attempts.

“(Tyrell) Dewar was pretty exciting today, watching almost take a few hangers,” I wish I could jump like that, but I’ll let him do that,” Graham said with a smile.

“Hutch’ (Jack Hutchinson) does some exciting things, and Elijah Hewett, he hasn’t played a heap of footy, but he’s had a really solid pre-season and good to see him get some reward today.

“He loves working hard and loves a contest, so I’m glad he’s on my team this year.”

After eight seasons at Richmond, Graham has slotted in well at the Eagles’ nest and is confident his new team is moving in the right direction.

“All pre-seasons are hard, so you just want to get to work,” Graham said.

“Coming in and being new, I just want to earn the trust and respect of my teammates, coaches and the football club.

“I just want to work hard, and the more that we can gel together and build, it’s going to be a long year, but showing signs today that we’ve really improved.

“There’s a lot to work on, but as long as we’re getting better every day, that’s what we want to do.”