Koby LeCras has had his first taste of league football, and the young gun is eager to help turn around West Perth's fortunes this season. The 18-year-old was part of an improved but frustrated Falcons team still searching for their first win after losing to South Fremantle at home in round four on Sunday.
A Memorable Debut
"It was good, obviously a great experience," LeCras said of his league debut, which coincided with his birthday. "A different level from colts. It's good to get out there with the boys. We didn't win but we'll come back next week against Peel."
LeCras, whose father Brent and uncle Mark played in premierships at West Perth and West Coast Eagles respectively, finished with six disposals and three marks. One of those marks, a strong contested grab against Bulldogs defender Jacob Sax in the second term, drew praise from commentator and former State coach Michael Broadbridge.
Praise from the Commentary Box
"That's a quality contested mark by a young man against a seasoned defender," Broadbridge said. "His use of the body there, his protection of the drop zone was elite. You don't see that too often."
LeCras, who wears the same number 20 his father wore during his 159-goal career at the Falcons, said he had done "a fair bit of work" on his marking with the State under 18s. That included working on contested marking with fellow Falcon product and State teammate Harvey Spawton-Guy.
"I'm lucky enough to play with Harvey, and he's really good with that," LeCras said. "We try to challenge each other through training. Yeah, I do lots of marking stuff with him."
Work Rate as a Strength
When asked about his strengths, LeCras pointed to his work rate. "Getting up the ground and ripping back as well," he said.
The young forward was joined in the West Perth rooms after the game by his family, including dad Brent, who played six games for North Melbourne and 141 for the Falcons. His father, a premiership legend also of the Cervantes Football Club, presented him with his guernsey before the game. His uncle Mark, a 2010 All-Australian, was also at the game, supporting his nephew from the Whinnen-Dempsey Stand.
