West Coast Eagles training notes: Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass, Andrew Gaff, Liam Duggan and more

Ben SmithThe West Australian
CommentsComments
Camera IconWest Coast have hit the track ahead of their final game of the season. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Light and easy

After their bruising western derby on Saturday, it was no surprise to see the Eagles opt for a lighter session for their first hit-out of the week.

The Eagles tried to land some physical blows on Fremantle to stymie their free-flowing movement up the ground and Monday’s training looked to account for the physically-demanding derby.

Camera IconTim Kelly at training. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Players were put through their paces in three drills on the public oval at Lathlain focusing on ground ball gets, defensive positioning in a confined space and a kicking drill focusing on zippy ball movement.

Read more...

There was an emphasis on execution rather than intensity, with Eagles coaches making themselves heard and directing traffic throughout the afternoon session.

Camera IconJeremy McGovern, Zac Langdon, Luke Shuey and Dom Sheed. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Restricted duties

There were more than a few Eagles on restricted duties and a few famous faces missing in action after the physically-taxing encounter with Fremantle.

Tom Barrass emerged late and walked laps with Connor West after another herculean performance in defence, while Andrew Gaff departed the session early and Nic Naitanui and Jake Waterman were not spotted on the track.

Camera IconTom Barras kicks the ball. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Gaff was part of a group including Elliot Yeo, Liam Duggan and Jamaine Jones who did light handball work to start before he headed inside, while Duggan stayed out but had limited involvement.

Yeo and Jones looked relatively unhindered throughout the session, as did Jack Petruccelle, while Willie Rioli was absent.

Camera IconLiam Duggan training. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian

Active All-Australian

It may be too little, too late for this season, but West Coast fans will no doubt be happy to hear Jeremy McGovern is back in training.

After sustaining a season-ending rib injury against Geelong in round 14, McGovern has been limited on the training track and while Barrass has filled the void, the Eagles defence has missed his leadership and calming presence.

Camera IconCredit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian, West Coast Eagles training in Lathlain, Perth. Pictures of Jeremy McGovern and Luke Shuey behind. Ross Swanborough

McGovern joined the main group and despite the long lay-off and the low intensity of the session, participated in the main three team drills.

He moved well and looked to show no signs of rust, albeit in a session low on vim and vigour.

Camera IconCredit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian, West Coast Eagles training in Lathlain, Perth. Pictures of Liam Duggan Ross Swanborough

Can they kick it?

The main portion of the session ended with some unhindered attempts on goal, and the players noticeably perked up with the opportunity to practise goal-kicking.

Veterans Jack Darling and Jamie Cripps, who sit third and eighth on the Eagles’ all-time goal list respectively, approached each and every kick methodically and with purpose, paying close attention to their run-up and ball drop.

Camera IconCredit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian, West Coast Eagles training in Lathlain, Perth. Pictures of Liam Ryan Ross Swanborough

Youngster Jack Williams also looked to follow suit, moving around the arc to practise his set shots from various vantage points.

Xavier O’Neill also impressed with his consistency in front of goal, nailing a tricky kick from the boundary line.

Camera IconCredit: Ross Swanborough/The West Australian, West Coast Eagles training in Lathlain, Perth. Pictures of Luke Shuey Ross Swanborough

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails