Rugged midfielder Connor West has proven a valuable addition for West Coast since last year’s midseason draft but acknowledges he’s still developing his craft only 12 games into his career.
With injuries to key personnel – including midfielders Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo and Dom Sheed – West has relished the opportunity in the Eagles’ engine room.
Crediting the advice of senior players and the ability to pursue football as a full-time career for his on-field improvement, West endeavours to continue adding strings to his bow, including playing minutes in the forward line if needed.
“I’m still developing, so at times you can get caught off with the speed and just how quick AFL is, and how good you have to be compared to WAFL,” West said.
“Probably more the mental side of it, always being switched on, you can’t really afford to zone out. As soon as you switch off, the opposition can hurt you pretty bad.
“Doing it (football) full-time and really being able to knuckle down on the areas of improvement and working on my strengths has helped a lot.
"Once you get to this level you’re always working on your skills, you’re doing extra vision or extra touch.
“I think the more games I’ve been playing, the easier I’ve been able to adapt and play my role.
“Luke Shuey, even though he’s missed a fair bit of footy he’s always there to help. A lot of senior boys are really good.
“Dom Sheed, Elliot Yeo, they’re all pretty experienced players and great players of the game, so they’re always offering advice and trying to get the best out of us.
“I’ll just keep trying to play good footy. Take it week-by-week.”
West has also enjoyed playing alongside some of West Coast’s younger cohort, including fellow mature-age draftee Greg Clark and developing forward Isiah Winder.
The 23-year-old also commended Callum Jamieson’s growth in the ruck, with Nic Naitanui (knee) currently sidelined.
“We haven’t had the best start to the year, but I think just seeing other guys get their opportunities, like Greg Clark, ‘Izzy’ on the weekend kicking three,” West said.
“(Callum Jameison’s) been great, watched him towards the end of last year, he’s a bit tall and lanky but he’s fitted in really well and he’s just having a crack.
“I think just the little things like that really drive us to stay together and it’s good seeing other guys get opportunities.
“Hopefully down the track that works out well for the team because we’ve played a fair bit of youth this year, which is good.”
West said the Eagles are now looking to play a consistent four quarters against the Western Bulldogs, who boast some of the competition’s top midfielders in four-time All Australian Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae, Adam Treloar and Bailey Smith.
“Marcus Bontempelli, he’s a freak athlete, and a really good player so he’s probably one I’ll keep my eye on, if we can nullify his performance, I’m sure it will help us,” West said.
“Playing four quarters consistently, and just the first quarter, coming out and having a red-hot crack.
“Trying to put the Bulldogs on the back foot.”
