West Coast track watch: AFL match simulation gives insight into McQualter’s 2025 plans

West Coast has started to ramp up the intensity at training with a short burst of match simulation giving insight into new coach Andrew McQualter’s plans for 2025.

West Coast has started to ramp up the intensity at training with a short burst of match simulation giving insight into new coach Andrew McQualter’s plans for 2025.

It was business as usual at Mineral Resources Park on Friday morning despite news of Liam Ryan’s alleged involvement in a street fight breaking shortly before the players hit the track.

Ryan trained with the main group and took part in match simulation before finishing up early to run a few laps. The 28-year-old played in the forward line for the slightly more favoured blue team and had a few score involvements further up the ground but he was noticeably missing his usual energy.

The two teams played around 20 minutes of match simulation but play was sometimes stopped to reset for a specific scenario. The blue team appeared to be stronger than the yellow team, with the likes of Jake Waterman, Jamie Cripps, Reuben Ginbey, Tim Kelly, Jeremy McGovern, Jack Graham, Harley Reid and Jack Williams.

Draft picks Bo Allan and Hamish Davis also played in the blue team as the rain tumbled in bursts.

Tyrell Dewar outfoxed Harley Reid, nailing him in a tackle after the No.1 pick tried on his token fend-off. Picture: Getty Images

Some of the notable faces in the yellow team include Elijiah Hewett, Matt Owies, Oscar Allen, Noah Long and Clay Hall.

Bailey Williams (blue) appears to be marginally ahead in the battle for the No.1 ruck role, coming up against Matt Flynn (yellow) who has recovered from an ankle scare on Wednesday.

Between each period of match simulation, the players were sent on a lap of the oval, testing their fitness and resilience.

Those who did train did so with intensity. Harry Barnett and Graham had a heavy collision on the wing but both bounced straight back up again. Ginbey also very nearly took out Allen flying through a contest. While Tyrell Dewar outfoxed Reid, nailing him in a tackle after the No.1 pick tried on his token fend-off.

A host of Eagles didn’t take part in match simulation including co-captain Liam Duggan, Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo, Rhett Bazzo, Harry Edwards, Callum Jamieson, Brady Hough, Campbell Chesser and Jack Petruccelle.

Liam Ryan trained with the main group and took part in match simulation despite news of his alleged involvement in a street fight. Picture: Getty Images

PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED 

Jamie Cripps: The veteran wound back the clock during match simulation and was one of the best for the blue team. Playing at half-forward, his gut running saw him involved in several scores, notably setting up a goal for Jake Waterman with a sizzling delivery inside 50.

Jake Waterman: Fresh off an All-Australian season, Waterman looks to have picked up where he left off. Waterman got on the end of several balls inside 50, identifying the turnover quicker than his opponent and working back to goal. Kicked multiple and looks set to spearhead the Eagles forward line.

Tyrell Dewar: Pinning Harley Reid in a tackle after he attempted a fend-off was the highlight. But a new role on the outside looks to have potential for the Eagles NGA graduate despite making his name as a forward. Dewar was poised and competitive on the wing and at halfback.

Ryan Maric: Maric has been trialled in defence this pre-season and he’s taken to the role well. The No.1 mid-season draft pick has played up forward and on the wing so far in the AFL. But his precision kicking is advantageous to the Eagles in defence given West Coast has struggled to be creative at halfback in recent years. Maric’s big moment came when he fisted the ball out of play and out of reach of Jake Waterman who was steaming in on the lead.

Originally published as West Coast track watch: AFL match simulation gives insight into McQualter’s 2025 plans