Explosive young gun Elijah Hewett says a starring performance against Essendon was the moment his self-doubt disappeared following a challenging run with injury.

Foot issues last year restricted Hewett from building on his impressive debut campaign, with the 20-year-old undergoing surgery and then developing minor bone stress which wiped out his season.

But the powerful midfielder has reminded West Coast fans of his match-turning ability in recent weeks.

Hewett was outstanding with 22 disposals and two goals against the Bombers in round six, and backed up with another quality showing on Saturday night with 15 disposals and three goals in the loss to Melbourne.

While acknowledging he still has plenty to learn and fitness to build, the Swan Districts product is grateful to be back playing football at a high level again.

“It’s super rewarding. It’s a great feeling just to get a bit of reward for effort,” Hewett said.

“It’s been a long 18 months personally fighting through the challenges that footy throws at you, but super grateful to come out the other end and string a few good games together.

“Self-doubt is normal in sport and when I came back you question ‘do I still have that speed and power?’, but I think that game against Essendon I reminded myself what I can do when I get up and going.

“I still have those traits and if anything I’m only going to get older, stronger and get better.

“To continue to improve on those and string a few more together, I’m pretty excited about that.”

Hewett revealed he has bounced off recruit Jack Graham since his arrival from Richmond, with the rugged onballer dealing with a similar foot issue previously.  

“He’s a few years down the track now and he’s gone really well, so that gave me a lot of hope,” Hewett said.

“I’ve bounced things off him, just little intricate details about how to rehab it properly. He’s been really good.

“You do become a more resilient person. You don’t know what resilience is until you go through things like that. I’ve got a better perspective on football and what matters to me in life, so I think I’m all the better.”

Sunday’s clash against the Tigers will hold extra significance for Graham and Richmond premiership teammate Liam Baker against their former club, but it will also be an exciting opportunity for the Eagles’ young team to play at the MCG.

Hewett has never set foot on the turf and has only visited football’s mecca once for a school trip.

“My family is flying over it. First game at the ‘G, so that’s exciting,” he said.

“I guess you’re hoping you’re going to play as many games at the ‘G over the course of your career and finals footy is at the ‘G so (keen) to get used to it early days.

“It’s obviously a personal game for (Baker and Graham) just because they’re playing against old teammates, but it doesn’t differ how we approach.

“We’re going to wrap our arms around them and make it a good scrap.”