Brady Hough has revealed his midfield shift came as no surprise, with the gun defender voicing his ambitions to expand his game in conversations with coach Andrew McQualter.

Already established as one of West Coast’s most consistent performers down back, Hough made a near-seamless move into the engine room against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.

The 22-year-old picked up 23 disposals and laid a career-high six tackles, while adding to a youthful onball brigade alongside the likes of Elijah Hewett, Harley Reid and Jack Hutchinson.

"I've been speaking to 'Mini' about it for a few weeks and when he came to the club I spoke to him about expanding my role a little bit," Hough said. 

“It’s just good to be around the contest and being able to bring my strengths around there.

“It’s great to play alongside ‘Hewy’, ‘Hutch’, Harley … some really young midfielders which is really exciting for the club. I thought we did a pretty good job in there on the weekend.

“We weren’t too far off with the clearances and the stoppage work. Still plenty to improve on but it was good signs.

“The feedback was pretty positive from the game. I’ve still got plenty to improve on but that was my first look at AFL midfield time.

“It’s tough going in there but there were some good signs I think and hopefully I can see it out for however long they want me there.

“It’s good to have that versatility now.”

Coming up against Melbourne’s powerful engine room this Saturday night poses a massive challenge for the Eagles, with the Demons superbly led by in-form skipper Max Gawn in the ruck.

But the 2021 premiers also have plenty of firepower at ground level, and Hough could renew acquaintances with an opponent he knows well – Melbourne’s versatile forward-mid Kysaiah Pickett.

“He’s fast. He moves really quick laterally and it’s hard to get your hands on him,” Hough said.

“I’m sure I’ll find myself on him at some stage throughout the game and hopefully can nullify whatever he’s got to offer.

“They’re a dangerous midfield with Petracca, ‘Clarry’ (Clayton Oliver) and ‘Kozzie’ (Pickett) coming through there – they’re really electric and we’ll have to be on our game.

“We’re really optimistic about what we can do in there and we’ll get to work throughout the week and hopefully we can go head-to-head with them.”