They want to impress the coaches, to earn the respect of their new teammates and, initially at least, there is only one place to do that – on the training track.
When Tom Barrass was snared with selection #43 in the national draft last November, he had to be patient.
Draft screening had not picked up a hip injury, but shortly after joining training with his West Coast teammates, it became obvious.
He was rested, placed on the long-term injury list and worked his way back with the rehabilitation group.
As a young player, it can’t be any fun being placed on the LTI, in this case allowing Cal Sinclair to play the early rounds of the AFL season, but Barrass kept chipping away.
The upshot was that he did not get a chance to show his wares until last Friday, when he played a little more than a half in the East Perth reserves.
Because it was the Good Friday public holiday, many of Barrass’ AFL teammates were on hand to witness a solid performance from the developing key back.
Barrass showed an aptitude for the contest, used the ball efficiently, barely wasting a touch, and certainly created a positive first impression.
Like most young players, he will have his game time carefully managed and is likely to spend a little time in the reserves at the Royals, but there is no doubt he has the capacity to progress to senior football with East Perth in coming weeks – and beyond.
Barrass played mainly deep in defence, marked strongly, and along with teammate Rowen Powell, also coming off a limited preparation, will add depth and skill to the club’s key position stocks.
