Hard-at-it defender Tom Cole says West Coast’s backline group are prepared for a potential selection squeeze with superboot Shannon Hurn in the mix to return against the Giants.
Hurn has been sidelined since round four by repeat calf strains but only needs to tick off main training this week to board the plane to Sydney and appear in his record-breaking 291st match in blue and gold.
It leaves a tough call for match committee, who will also likely welcome back All Australian flier Liam Ryan from a shin injury this week.
“We’ve had some quality players on the sidelines and we’ve been able to get a few wins without them,” Cole said.
“It will be nice to have them back. What comes with that … is players are probably going to get squeezed out.
“Zac Langdon was unlucky last week. He’s been playing really well and was the unlucky one.
“There might be a couple more this week. We’re a role-driven team. Someone comes in, someone goes out, we play our role and I’m sure that will be the same this week.”
In Hurn’s absence, recruit Alex Witherden has been a solid performer and taken charge of kick-in duties, while emerging trio Josh Rotham, Jackson Nelson and Cole have continued to grow and played every game so far this season.
“There might be a squeeze for backmen this week and that’s just the reality of footy sometimes, so it will be an interesting call at the end of the week,” Cole said.
“But it will be good to have him (Hurn) back out there, hopefully.
“Hopefully he’s good to go and can break that record this week.”
Cole, a back pocket in the 2018 premiership team, described his individual form as “pretty consistent” and the 65-gamer continues to play an important shutdown role in defence.
The Giants have lost star Toby Greene to a shoulder complaint but still boast a dangerous attack and pushed two-time reigning premier Richmond all the way last round.
“Probably puts Sheppy (Brad Sheppard) a bit at ease – he always gets the match-up on Toby, so it’s always nice when he’s not playing,” Cole said.
“But GWS are a good team and they’ve been in good form.
“Any AFL team is hard to beat these days – you’ve got to come at your best every week.
“We’re preparing for them at their best.”
After winning three in a row, the Eagles sit seventh on the ladder at 6-3 and are building some more consistent form after an up-and-down start to the campaign.
“I think we’ve got into a bit of a flow now with our routine, travelling. It’s different this year compared to last year being in hubs and everything, so we’re back into that travel routine of what we’re used to,” Cole said.
“I think everyone is getting into a good groove, everyone is playing their roles well and it’s good to get a few consecutive wins on the board.”
