There’s no shortage of people in Perth who will tell you it’s been hot, and it’s fair to say that the West Coast Eagles squad would be keen to add their voices to the chorus after a solid session in simply sweltering conditions this morning.
It was the team’s final stint at McGillivray Oval before they move back to Patersons Stadium on Monday for the remainder of the pre-season, and the coaches made sure it was a training session they wouldn’t forget in a hurry.
The players participated in several high intensity match-simulation drills and were put through their paces in between breaks with a series of challenging sprints.
Young midfielder Scott Selwood was a standout on track, not only for his silky skills, but also his on-ground leadership and voice.
Several intriguing one-on-one battles finished up today’s workload with Shannon Hurn going head-to-head with Mark LeCras and All-Australian nominees Josh Kennedy lining up against Eric Mackenzie in a gripping display of athleticism.
In the rehab group, Sharrod Wellingham showed encouraging signs, while Beau Waters again took part in light activities.
Ruckman Dean Cox put in some hard running with former teammate and now welfare coach Mark Nicoski spurring him on at every opportunity.
Stoppage and structures coach Don Pyke said he was impressed with the condition of the players after returning from the Christmas break.
“The boys worked really hard before Christmas and over the break they’ve clearly looked after themselves,” Pyke said.
“They’ve come back in good form and raring to train and that’s both physically and mentally. We’re really pleased with the way they’ve come back.
“The numbers on the track are good and we’ve probably only got seven or eight at the moment who aren’t in full training.
“That’s excellent for us, it allows us to get a good volume of work into the guys, but also teach them some of the game-style stuff.”
The former dual premiership player has returned to the club this season after coaching stints at Adelaide and Claremont and says he’s enjoying his time as an assistant coach.
“It’s a bit of a change from what I was doing previously,” Pyke said.
“I’m back now, we’ve got a good coaching group, and a good playing group.
“Obviously after the disappointment of last year, there’s a bit of a bee in the bonnet to go better this year.
“I’m spending a lot of time with pretty much all the groups and looking at our setups and our structural side of things and educating that as we go, getting ready for round one.”
