This article first appeared in the September 2020 edition of Eagle Eye

In many ways, West Coast’s 2020 home and away campaign has been shaped by adversity.

Like every club in the competition, the Eagles have overcome myriad challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including a season recess, staff reductions, quarantine hubs, shortened quarters and condensed fixtures.

And while all of the aforementioned tests have made West Coast’s pursuit of a fifth premiership title difficult, the team’s injury toll has undoubtedly been the biggest mountain to climb this year.

Remarkably, only six players on West Coast’s 44-man list played all 17 home and away games this year: Andrew Gaff, Tim Kelly, Brad Sheppard, Liam Ryan, Tom Barrass and Jack Darling.

Such was the club’s injury issues, the match committee had to call on a club record 37 players – including six AFL debutants – just to get through the qualifying rounds.

While it was unfortunate to see so many big name Eagles sidelined throughout the year, the selection panel’s need to explore the list’s depth worked in the favour of some players.

One of those was emerging defender Josh Rotham.

The 22-year-old was not a stranger to the big leagues given he made four AFL appearances last year, but with troops going down left, right and centre, he was afforded an opportunity to show that he had what it took to be a permanent senior starter.

After coming in and going out of the side twice earlier in the year (rounds three and eight), Rotham was recalled for the club’s round 11 clash against Carlton at Optus Stadium when debutant Harry Edwards was deemed unavailable after sustaining a concussion the match prior.

Determined to hold his spot in the side after being bumped out twice before, the West Perth product played his role to a tee against the Blues, amassing 12 disposals, eight marks and six intercepts in an eye-catching display that helped West Coast topple Carlton by 22 points in front of more than 19,000 members of the blue and gold army.

Rotham has not looked back since that game, playing in the club’s remaining seven fixtures.

And now the 2019 WAFL Eagles Trademark Award winner is on the verge of playing his first final.

“It was nice to get a bunch of games in a row,” a humble Rotham said.

“I guess in my first few games I was in and out of the side week to week, so to get some continuity in the team and find a little bit of form throughout the year has been nice.

“Working alongside the likes of Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard and Tom Barrass consistently has been awesome. They have been exceptional with their guidance while I’ve been in the team. I’ve also gotten to know what makes them tick on game days too and that helps with your on-field chemistry.

“If I can keep doing my role and playing for the team hopefully I hold my spot leading into finals.”

Of all the games he played in that run of seven straight outings, Rotham was especially chuffed to feature in the club’s gutsy round 17 win over St Kilda.

In spite of missing skipper Luke Shuey, four-time All Australian Jeremy McGovern, dual John Worsfold medallist Elliot Yeo, 2018 grand final hero Dom Sheed and premiership tagger Mark Hutchings, West Coast defied the odds to knock over the Saints in a thrilling contest at the Gabba.

Rotham said the 15-point triumph provided a shot of confidence to the injury-stricken Eagles and reinforced the squad’s belief that their system would hold up in big games.

“I think a win like the one we had over the Saints shows that even when we’ve got some big names out there are boys ready to come in and fill the void, which I think is a testament to what we are doing as a club and a team,” he said.

“We’ve really got a one man out, one man in mentality.

“I think the whole 2017 AFL Draft class lined up against the Saints that night, which was awesome for those boys.

“It was really good to see so many young guys in the team, but most importantly we still managed to get the result.

“That’s definitely one of the best wins I’ve been involved in. We showed a lot of grit to get that win.

“They kicked the first two goals in the last quarter, so to bounce back like we did at different stages throughout the game was huge.

“I hope that we can carry that grit forward into the finals series.”