It never loses its lustre, the West Coast Eagles training at Optus Stadium.
Usually it is coincides with a big game a few days later. Tonight the squad had a run on Australia’s premier stadium and the usual enjoyment around that session was evident.
And this evening there was even an atmosphere at training, with the members of the BHP sons and daughters academy, hoping to carry their football lineage through to senior ranks, on hand for a look. They might have heroes of days past as their father, but to them they are just dad.
Seeing Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanii, Jeremy McGovern et al, was far more exciting.
The club’s son and daughter academy has been running for a number of years and they had enjoyed a day of fun and training with the likes of Jacob Brennan, Dana Hooker and Michael Prior guiding them through the program.
Attendance at this session was the climax to their day.
And they saw a lively main training session with the voice strong, skills sharp and focus intense.
They know Friday night against Collingwood is a big game, requiring a suitable response after a disappointing fade out against St Kilda.
After breaking into their respective line groups; the backs working the ball around backward of centre, the mids connecting with the defensive group and then channelling the ball inside the forward arc.
And, of course, the forwards then worked the ball into dangerous scoring positions before finishing off the drill.
With at least one spot open, due to the absence of defensive star Shannon Hurn to a calf strain, a couple of the players in the mix looked particularly sharp.
Luke Foley, who made his debut late in last year’s campaign, has been building his form and case for an opportunity through the WAFL Eagles and recruit Alex Witherden is also staking a claim to play his first senior game for the club.
After the line work there was a bit of match simulation followed by skill work.
While all of that was going on, Elliot Yeo continued to build his fitness base as he works towards a return to playing.
