Preseason update: The West Coast Eagles players were sent into their Christmas break in traditional fashion today – with a gruelling physical test in their final session of the first phase of pre-season. Starting with a 2km time trial that morphed into a full-scale skills session, the players would certainly feel as though they had earned their break by the end of the searching day. The first period of the summer training has been productive, with a number of the younger players shining brightly in the absence of some of their senior teammates who were eased into training after under-going post season surgery. John Worsfold medallist Eric Mackenzie, hard-running wingman Matt Rosa, rebounding defender Elliot Yeo and classy utility player Sharrod Wellingham have been punching out some exhausting runs on the periphery of the main action for the last month. They all look in good shape and should integrate back into the main group on or about the resumption on January 5. Tough half-back Beau Waters has also been progressed conservatively, held out of the contested work to shield his body from impact drills until it is necessary to ready him for battle. He looks fit, lean and in a positive mindset, consistently offering direction and counsel to his younger teammates. Of the senior players who have worked through the first phase, it is no surprise that Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis continues to set the training benchmark, along with freshly appointed captain Shannon Hurn, vice-captain Josh Kennedy, forward Mark LeCras and the likes of Mitch Brown and Will Schofield. Second year midfielder Dom Sheed looks in good shape, a couple of kilos heavier after a new strength and conditioning program, while Chris Masten and Andrew Gaff continue to set the standard in pushing themselves to new levels in time trials. Masten and Gaff were near the front of the pack again today while young forward Malcolm Karpany also shone.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 06:05:37 +0000
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