West Coast coach Andrew McQualter can’t wait to unleash the Eagles’ trio of debutants for the team’s ‘big challenge’ against Greater Western Sydney.
Tom Gross and Hamish Davis are the first of last year’s impressive draft crop to earn their wings, and are joined by pre-season rookie signing Sandy Brock in the line-up for Sunday’s clash.
It will be the first time since round one, 2023 – when Campbell Chesser, Reuben Ginbey and Noah Long made their debuts - that West Coast has unveiled three first-gamers together.
“Really exciting time for our footy club,” McQualter said.
“We’ve got Sandy Brock, delisted from the Gold Coast and we got him right before the season started, and ever since Sandy got here he’s been incredible. He’s played really well in the WAFL program.
“Tom Gross, tough little kid from Melbourne. He’s just put his head down and bum up and got to work.
“He’s really deserved his opportunity. Every WAFL game and practice match he’s played in he’s really taken it up to our midfielders and WAFL midfielders. Really exciting for him.
“And Hamish Davis, a great opportunity. Was one of our later picks but since he walked in he stated publicly he wants to be one of the hardest working players and we’ve seen that day in, day out.
“We can’t wait to see their journeys begin.”
West Coast will be without big guns Jeremy McGovern (adductor) and Liam Ryan (illness) for the trip to Engie Stadium, while Elijah Hewett (calf) had a minor calf complaint on Thursday.
The Eagles are searching for their first win after an 0-3 start, while flag fancy GWS (2-1) is coming off a tough loss to Hawthorn in Launceston.
“It’s a big challenge,” McQualter said.
“They’re well coached, they’re well drilled, well organised but awesome, it’s a great challenge for us.
“We’ve been working really hard on our game and learning a lot. We’re clearly not where we want to be yet but hopefully we’ll take another step forward this week.”
