West Coast wingman Jayden Hunt reflects on form of Jack Hutchinson and Tyrell Dewar as Liam Ryan battles hamstring niggle

Jayden Hunt has been a mainstay for West Coast since his arrival, but the veteran knows there’s plenty of young talent itching to take his place as the new generation of Eagles emerge.

From Hunt to the hunted, West Coast speedster Jayden has welcomed the fierce competition for a spot on the wing this season.

The former Demon has been a mainstay on the outside in his 43 games so far for West Coast.

But Hunt suddenly has company with the Eagles’ next generation fighting to secure the remaining round 1 wing opening.

Jack Hutchinson and Tyrell Dewar are the leading contenders after starting their careers as forwards. Draftee Hamish Davis, Campbell Chesser and Harvey Johnston have also been training on the wing, the latter pair experiencing injury-interrupted pre-seasons.

New coach Andrew McQualter has backed Hunt to hold his spot on the wing but the 29-year-old said he’s been energised by West Coast’s emerging outside contingent.

Spots are limited on the wing at the Eagles. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

“I’m now nearly 30 and all of the wings are under 21,” Hunt said. “I’ve got eight or nine years on them.

“We’ve got a great group going with all of us wingers and I’m trying to give them the knowledge and experience I have.

“It’ll be nice to see who’s in there round one. I’m sure that will change through the year as form goes up and down.”

Hunt in particular praised the emergence of Hutchinson and Dewar, backing both to take the next step in their careers.

“Hutch is more of that contested wingman that a few teams have,” he said. “Everyone can tell how desperate he is.

“He’s such a good player to play with. He’s going to dive into any contest … chase people down. He brings that side.

“Dewar is a bit of contrast. He’s a bit like me where he loves using his speed to take people on and has a good kick on him.

“With him being young, I just encourage him to use his weapons and use his speed. If he’s going to get caught one in 10, the other nine times are going to be good for the team.

“He offers something that not many players can actually do, so we need him to bring those weapons and bring his strengths to the game.”

The Eagles are heading into the season with momentum after their win over the Roos. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Hunt bravely battled through a toe injury for most of his second season as an Eagle, with the niggling issue restricting his trademark run and carry.

“It’s such a little injury but for me, I rely on my speed,” he said. “I don’t think I’m too good without it.

“I could still go at 90 per cent most of the season but I just lost that top-end speed that I rely on. I’ve built my game around that.

“It was really frustrating. While I only missed two games, there would’ve been 10 or so when I couldn’t train much during the week and I just had to get up for game day.

“I’m injury-free at the moment and feeling really good about my body. I think the toe injury is a thing of the past.”

Hunt is also out of contract at the end of the season and hopes his form will see him earn a new deal.

“I want to focus on my footy at the start of the season and then I can get into talks after that,” he said. “I feel really good, confident in my own game and the coaches are happy with me at the moment.

“It has only been pre-season so we’ll see how we go in the real stuff but I’m hoping I can have a good start to the season and start talks from there.”

Liam Ryan is battling a hamstring concern. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

At training on Wednesday morning, Liam Ryan trained away from the main group as he battles a minor hamstring complaint.

The small forward reported hamstring awareness early against North Melbourne but played out the remainder of the contest.

The 28-year-old completed a light running set before heading indoors.

Co-Captain Oscar Allen was absent after missing the North Melbourne game to attend a family wedding.

The key forward completed a catch-up system on Monday and was on light duties as a result.

Elijah Hewett started with the main group but spent a portion of the session on the back oval with a trainer as he continues to manage general soreness.

Young gun Tyrell Dewar copped a broken nose against the Kangaroos but trained non-contact.

Originally published as West Coast wingman Jayden Hunt reflects on form of Jack Hutchinson and Tyrell Dewar as Liam Ryan battles hamstring niggle