If good things truly come to those who wait, Luke Foley could be in store for a big game at Leederville Oval tomorrow.
West Coast’s second pick in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft will make his first appearance for the WAFL Eagles after hitting a speed bump towards the back end of his maiden summer slog.
Foley appeared to be flying through pre-season training and was the only draftee not to incur an injury as the JLT Community Series drew near.
But, as fate would have it, the 19-year-old suffered a calf strain the week of the club’s first official pre-season hit-out against Geelong, which cast him to the club’s rehabilitation group for several weeks.
“I got through most the pre-season, but at the end there I did a little bit of a calf,” Foley said.
“I don’t know if I would have got a gig in the JLT Series, but it was a bit frustrating, getting the injury right on the verge of playing a few practice matches.”
Fortunately, Foley has overcome the minor ailment and is ready to lace up his boots for the WAFL Eagles’ practice match against East Perth.
The Subiaco-product said he was eager to don blue and gold for the first time and test his game against mature opponents.
Foley registered 33 games across three seasons for the Lions, but they were all at colts level.
“Tomorrow will be my first taste of league footy,” Foley said.
“There’ll be a few bigger bodies than I’m used to, but I’ve been training here with the Eagles’ boys all summer, so it’s not going to be much of a difference."
Foley, who is likely to play the majority of the game on the wing, revealed he had set small goals for his first game since joining the Eagles.
“First and foremost, I want to get through the game and play the minutes that I need to play,” he said.
“I think I’ll play roughly three quarters; it’s looking pretty good. I should be able to get a good sweat going.
“I feel ready to go. It’s been a good pre-season, a good summer and now games have rolled around.
“That’s why we’re here, to play games. I’m excited for it to start.”
The WAFL Eagles will take on East Perth at Leederville Oval from 2.15pm tomorrow.