The Eagles received their first taste of the 2025 season, facing Richmond in a match simulation at Mineral Resources Park on Monday.
In warm Perth conditions, the West Coast Eagles bested Richmond in match simulation today, with former Tiger Jack Graham and his new teammates showcasing some impressive football throughout the three 25-minute periods. After an extensive pre-season period, dual premiership player Graham was pleased to return to the field and face an opposition again. “It was great, great fun,” Graham said. “Pre-season is long and hard, and you verse each other every session, so it’s good to come up against a different opposition, and it’s funny that it had to be the old mob Richmond.
“There was a bit of banter out there, a few knocks here and there, but it’s just good to be playing footy.”
While a number of notable names watched from the sidelines, including midfielders Elliot Yeo, Harley Reid, and Tim Kelly, Graham claimed the club was ready to rotate men through the center.
“It was a bit different, but the whole pre-season we’ve had a lot of boys go through the midfield,” Graham said. “I think that’s what ‘Mini’ (Andrew McQualter) wants to do, use players through there, so today we just wanted to get to work. “I thought we did that for most of the three quarters, and I thought everyone played pretty well today, still a lot to improve, but we’re getting there.” It was an impressive showing from some of the Eagles’ young guns, including 20-year-old forward Tyrell Dewar, who got the crowd on their feet with two incredible marking attempts.
“(Tyrell) Dewar was pretty exciting today, watching almost take a few hangers,” Graham smiled. “I wish I could jump like that, but I’ll let him do it.”
“Hutch” (Jack Hutchinson) does some interesting things, and Elijah Hewett, he hasn’t played a lot of footy, but he’s had a really solid pre-season, and it’s great to see him receive some reward today.
“He loves working hard and loves a contest, so I’m glad he’s on my team this year.”
Graham, who spent eight seasons at Richmond, has settled in well in the Eagles’ nest and believes his new team is headed in the right path.
“All pre-seasons are hard, so you just want to get to work,” Mr. Graham said.
“Coming in and being new, all I want to do is win the trust and respect of my teammates, coaches, and the football club.
“I simply want to work hard, and the more we can gel together and create, the better. It’s going to be a tough year, but we’re already showing indications of progress.
“There’s a lot to work on, but as long as we’re getting better every day, that’s what we want to do.”
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