West Coast Eagles training: Jake Waterman, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Harley Reid & Brandon Starcevich news

OMG! West Coast forward Jake Waterman must have one eye on the mark of the year prize in 2026 after his soaring leap during training. Waterman appeared to be no chance of taking a pack mark when he was caught behind a large group of players, but he then produced a massive leap to fly over the top of them and get two hands to the ball. Waterman didn’t control it to ground, so it wouldn’t have been paid in a game, but it was an incredible attempt. Earlier, Waterman showed off his soccer skills as he juggled the Sherrin with both feet. Starcevich Is Fit Fears star recruit Brandon Starcevich would struggle to be fit for the start of the season after injuring his knee last month appear to have been allayed. While he was withdrawn from this weekend’s Origin game, the star backman had no issues completing the full session on Monday. He changed directions with ease, he had power with his running, spent time as a key defender on Jake Waterman and there was no tape on his body. Starcevich looks fine. I Dream A Dream Just imagine if this scenario happened four years ago: Nic Naitanui handballs to Harley Reid who passes to Elliot Yeo. That would have been some type of line-up. The world is very different now for West Coast because Naitanui is retired and helps out during training, while Yeo is re-building his body after battling injury. But it was certainly a sight to behold. Luke Shuey was also working at the feet of Naitanui and Cooper Duff-Tytler as they practiced their ruck craft. Wild Man Ginbey Defender Reuben Ginbey donned a headband for training and he looks like a fair dinkum warrior. Ginbey usually wears at hat during sessions and that keeps his flowing locks in place. But now that he’s wearing a headband, the youngster’s broad shoulders and massive frame look even more imposing. It won’t be long before Ginbey looks more like a movie star warrior than a footballer. He is a phenomenal looking athlete. Hewett Returns Elijah Hewett has had an interrupted run at training due to calf problems but he did everything on Monday morning. Hewett moved freely throughout a session that lasted for about 90 minutes. Having missed a large group of recent sessions, he could have done without the stifling conditions and was looking for any possible chance to cool down, but being back amongst the main group was a positive sign. Players would have been thrilled that the club had a fan firing water at them whenever they came to the sidelines for a rest.