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West Coast are on track to welcome back a trio of premiership stars against Geelong next week after Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan got through their WAFL return unscathed, while midfielder Dom Sheed continued his dominant form at the lower level.
Sheed, who kicked the winning goal in the Eagles’ grand final victory in 2018, put his name in the mix for selection in his third-straight outing for the reserves side with 34 touches in a 38-point loss to Claremont on Saturday.
Ryan finished the game with two goals, while Rioli showed glimpses of his star power through the midfield and up forward in his 13 disposals.
Both played significant game time on return from hamstring injuries, signalling a willingness to get their season back on track against the Cats next Saturday.
Midfield bull Elliot Yeo looms as another possible inclusion, despite missing a third WAFL hit-out while serving his one-game suspension for striking Swan Districts’ Aidan Clarke.
Pace ace Jack Petruccelle was among the other 11 AFL-listed West Coast players to take to the field at Revo Fitness Stadium, finishing with 16 touches in his second-straight outing on return from his own hamstring injury.
Petruccelle said he couldn’t see “magic” duo Rioli and Ryan sticking around at the lower level too long.
“They can do things that others can’t. It’s always good playing with them, they’re superstars,” he said.
The 23-year-old said it was a good sign to have so many Eagles on the park, even if it was a result of the AFL bye.
“It means our list is getting healthier and we’ve got more availability,” Petruccelle said.
Sam Petrevski-Seton, Luke Strnadica, Patrick Naish, Rhett Bazzo, Luke Foley, Josh Rotham, Isiah Winder and Jack Williams also featured for the Eagles, while mid-season recruit Jai Culley had a subdued first game in blue and gold.
It came with a host of big-name West Coast figures watching on. Captain Luke Shuey played kick-to-kick with his son Oliver – who donned an Eagles Indigenous jumper – during a break in play, while injured ruckman Nic Naitanui and senior coach Adam Simpson were also in the stands.
Star forward Oscar Allen signed autographs as he continued his role as forward coach, while midfielder Connor West was also popular among young fans, posing for photos around the team huddle.
