Regardless of age, every player has a role to play this season.
Retired West Coast Eagles defender Tom Cole stated that while everyone on the team has a part to play, he feels an obligation to assist lead the club this season.
The Eagles’ current roster consists of an intriguing mix of 22 players who are under 22 years old, several seasoned leaders, and a number of middle-aged players who are filling in the gaps.
Cole explained, “It’s just the natural progression of ageing throughout a football club.”
“A handful of us in the middle there do feel like we have an enormous obligation to lead this team to success.
However, there are the younger players, the older ones, and us, and I believe it is our collective duty to play our best football.
“I think that just gives us the best chance to win more football games if we can do that and stay healthy.”
Cole had a successful return to the field in 2023 following an injury-plagued 2022 season, but a tragic turn of events saw him suffer another ankle injury, which meant he would miss more time on the sidelines.
As the first round draws near, Cole is optimistic following a strong preseason thus far.
Cole affirmed, “My body is in a good spot. I’m good.”
“Due to the last two years, I’ve been a little managed during this preseason, missing a few games through injury.
However, I feel well and am prepared to go this weekend.
Shannon Hurn, a star defender and captain of the West Coast Premiership, retired from the team at the end of the previous season after 333 games.
Cole stated that his teammates have dealt well with the transition to life without “Bunga” in the backline thus far.
Cole laughed and remarked, “It’s a bit quieter; he (Hurn) was a grumpy man on the pitch sometimes.”
“Though a little different, the guys have stepped up and we were prepared for it.”
It’s exciting to see that Brady Hough is essentially taking on the role that “Bunga” did the previous year.
Hurn was a leader and a teammate who gave the team immeasurable value, but Cole stated that several players are prepared to take over for him.
Cole remarked, “He really guided us out there. He was quite loud, obviously a terrific leader, captain of the footy club, All-Australian (vice-captain).
But we have a number of people who can also do that: me, ‘Hunty’ (Jayden Hunt), Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass, and Liam Duggen, who will drop back there a little.
“Down there, everyone just really takes it upon themselves to support each other.”
In his debut preseason in the blue and gold, exciting youngster Harley Reid has displayed encouraging indications. Cole expressed his happiness if Reid played down back this season.
Cole remarked, “He looks good, but I’m not sure how much he’s going to be back there.”
“He’s obviously excellent in the competition, so he’s been excellent whenever he’s around the ball down there.
“He needs some time to get used to our system, but I believe he can play anywhere on the football pitch because he has the natural ability to do so, so we are happy to have him back there.”
On Saturday, West Coast will play their first pre-season match against Fremantle. This will be the team’s first chance to compete against a rival team.
Cole stated, “You just want to see what you’ve been working on throughout the entire preseason go up against real opposition.”
Since December, we have been working on many projects, and we want to test how they will all work against Freo.
“We’re trying to get out of it and try to move forward because I’m sure they’re the same, they’ve been working all summer, and they want to test what they’ve been working on against us.”
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