Elliot Yeo has been a fan favourite in 2015.
The 21-year-old has grown tremendously this season. After starting his career as a dashing defender, Yeo has now cemented himself as a genuine midfield option for coach Adam Simpson.
Since moving to the midfield in round four against Brisbane, he has shown great confidence to attack the football at stoppages and fly for his marks, highlighted by his ‘Mark of the Year’ contender against the Tigers last Friday night.
Yeo says he’s still got plenty to learn about AFL football and he’s turning to his senior players to fast-track his development.
“The development program we have here at West Coast is amazing,” he said.
“Not only the programs led by Gavin Bell and the development coaches, but on the field, senior players are always willing to pass on their knowledge and help us young guys out.
“It gives you a lot of confidence and it’s certainly helped my football this year.”
Mid-season All Australian team
Yeo was one of those who headed down south to enjoy his break and says it was a great way to mix things up mid-year.
“A few of us went down there, it was a good couple of days,” he said.
“Just to hang out together and take it easy, it’s a beautiful place and we had a really good time.
“Everyone at this point of the year has little knocks and bruises, so to give the body a rest is perfect.”
Yeo has played in an array of positions this season, plugging holes around the ground wherever needed by the coaches.
“It’s been good, I’m happy to play wherever the team needs me,” he said.
“If I’m doing my bit to help the team, I’m happy. I just want us to keep building like we have been.
“We’ve got a heap of work left ahead of us. There’s no denying that our run home will be tough.
“But we have the belief that if we play our way and play together then we can play some pretty good footy.
“It’s exciting, the challenge ahead is pretty big, but we all can’t wait to rip into it.”
