The West Coast Eagles have unveiled some intriguing tactical moves during their pre-season training, with young forward Cooper Duff-Tytler trialling in the ruck and midfielder Bo Allan making a surprise switch to defence.
Duff-Tytler Takes on Ruck Duties
In a notable development at training, Cooper Duff-Tytler has been seen taking on ruck responsibilities. The young forward, known for his athleticism and marking, is being tested in a new role that could add significant versatility to the Eagles' structure. This experiment suggests the coaching staff are keen to explore his potential as a backup or hybrid option, especially given the physical demands on primary ruckmen throughout a long AFL season.
Bo Allan's Defensive Shift
Another eye-catching move involved Bo Allan, who has spent his early career as a hard-nosed midfielder. During the session on Monday, 19 January 2026, Allan was deployed across half-back, a positional switch that could reshape his future at the club. The move aims to leverage his toughness, running capacity, and ball-winning ability to launch attacks from the defensive half, potentially adding a new layer to the Eagles' rebound game.
Pre-Season Plans Take Shape
These training notes offer a clear glimpse into the strategic thinking of the West Coast coaching panel as they build towards the 2026 AFL season. Experimenting with player roles during the summer is crucial for building squad depth and tactical flexibility. The decision to trial Duff-Tytler in the ruck and shift Allan to defence indicates a proactive approach to solving on-field challenges and maximising the talent on their list.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if these pre-season experiments translate into permanent positional changes when the official matches begin. The success of such moves could be pivotal for the Eagles as they look to climb the ladder and return to finals contention.
