West Coast Eagles' Recruits and Young Talents Compete for Round 1 Selection in Practice Match
In a recent practice game against Fremantle, the West Coast Eagles showcased a mix of new recruits and emerging players, all pushing hard for spots in the upcoming round 1 lineup. The match, which ended in a 28-point loss for the Eagles, highlighted key performances that could shape the team's strategy for the season opener against Gold Coast on March 15.
Midfield Battle Heats Up with Robertson Leading the Pack
Deven Robertson, who joined the Eagles after struggling to secure a place in Brisbane's senior side, emerged as a frontrunner among the mature-aged midfield recruits. He impressed in the practice game, lining up in the first centre bounce alongside Harley Reid and Tom McCarthy. Robertson's defensive mindset and versatility, capable of playing both inside midfield and on the wing, have made him a strong contender for round 1.
Assistant coach Sam Radford praised Robertson's pre-season efforts, stating, "Dev's had a fantastic pre-season as one of our midfielders. He works incredibly hard and he's got a good defensive mindset." However, Radford emphasized that the competition for midfield spots remains intense, with other recruits like Harry Schoenberg and Finlay Macrae also in the mix. Schoenberg played on the wing and half-forward line, while Macrae featured later in the game with fringe players and WAFL top-ups.
Defensive and Forward Lines Show Promise
On the defensive end, Tylar Young, recruited from Richmond, played the first half before sitting out the second as part of a pre-planned move. He overcame a minor shin issue to participate, having previously limited training due to shoulder surgery. In the forward line, rising stars Cooper Duff-Tytler and Jobe Shanahan made their mark. Duff-Tytler, last year's No.4 draft pick, followed up a five-goal haul in an internal practice game with another strong performance, kicking a goal in windy conditions.
Radford expressed excitement about the young forwards, saying, "Cooper, Archer, and Jobe are three really young, promising, exciting players. I think supporters should be really excited for the future." He noted that the return of 2024 All Australian Jake Waterman, who missed last season due to a shoulder injury, will further bolster the forward line.
Emerging Talents Press Their Claims
Jacob Newton, a 2024 mid-season draftee, also stood out with a lively performance, including a goal from beyond the 50-metre arc. Radford highlighted Newton's athletic traits, noting, "He's extremely powerful, he can compete in the air and on the ground. He's dynamic and he's explosive." Other players like Willem Duursma and Josh Lindsay showed potential, with Duursma scoring the game's opening goal and Lindsay maintaining solid form despite challenging conditions.
Selection Outlook for Round 1
As the Eagles prepare for their season opener, the competition for spots is fierce. Robertson appears favored among midfield recruits, while players like Duff-Tytler and Newton are making strong cases in the forward line. Radford summed up the situation, stating, "There's still three weeks to go," indicating that final decisions will hinge on continued performance and development in the lead-up to the match against Gold Coast.
Key Player Updates:
- Deven Robertson: Leading contender for midfield spot, praised for defensive work.
- Harry Schoenberg: Played wing and half-forward, showing versatility.
- Finlay Macrae: Featured later in game, still in selection race.
- Tylar Young: Defended well in first half, managed workload.
- Cooper Duff-Tytler: Impressed with goal-scoring and potential.
- Jobe Shanahan: Strong marking in forward line.
- Archer Reid: Battled for influence, with Duff-Tytler preferred in ruck.
- Jacob Newton: Showed speed and skill, adding a goal.
The West Coast Eagles' practice game against Fremantle has set the stage for a competitive pre-season, with recruits and rising stars all vying for a place in the round 1 lineup. Fans can expect intense battles as the team finalizes its squad for the upcoming AFL season.
