DARREN MONCRIEFF
Saturday 25 February 2012
WHEN the Eagles' No.1 goalsneak Mark Le Cras went down with what is now a season-ending knee injury at training last week, spots in the West Coast forward line suddenly became negotiable.
Recruit Josh Hill and youngster Gerrick Weedon are both capable of filling the void that will mark Le Cras' absence; perhaps Hill has the advantage with experience while Weedon has youth and extra aggression on his side.
Both players showed promise for the Eagles in their opening NAB Cup matches last weekend, Weedon in particular with his forward line pressure and tackling.
Adding West Coast's depth this season, newcomer Brad Dick has high-level AFL experience,having earned his stripes in his short time at Collingwood. And Victorian Koby Stevens (pictured) looks set to step up a level in his development as a midfielder after playing seven games for the Eagles in 2011.
"For a lot of young players coming up there's a spot available, so everyone's pushing hard," Hill said last week.
"Hopefully they're all going to get a run which will give the coaches an idea of how they're going to perform.
"I've been training and working on playing that half-forward role, so if the spot is there and I work hard to get it then I'll work hard to keep it.
"Hopefully I perform ... leading into the season."
Hill was traded to West Coast during the October trade period last year after 66 games in four seasons with the Western Bulldogs.
Weedon, who made his AFL debut last year, was a member of WAFL club Claremont's 2011 premiership side.
Dick was delisted by Collingwood then drafted by West Coast.
Stevens came to the club via the 2009 national draft.
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 25/02/2012 21:50