Gun mid-season recruit Tom McCarthy says he is feeling settled, confident and ready to tackle the next phase of pre-season training as he looks to build on a head-turning start to his AFL career.

The 25‑year‑old joined West Coast only eight months ago and debuted within three weeks, setting a club record with 31 disposals in his first game against Carlton in round 14.

McCarthy was a shining light for the Eagles in the second half of last season, averaging 23.6 touches from ten games, but admitted the pace of AFL life initially took him by surprise before things slowed down at season’s end.

Now, after a refreshing break back home, he says he is feeling firmly established in Western Australia and at the club.

McCarthy readily admits that stepping up from the Richmond VFL program to a full AFL pre‑season was a shock to the system, but he’s learned to handle significantly increased training loads.

With the help of West Coast’s high‑performance staff, he has focused heavily on nutrition, recovery and load management.

“It’s all about recovery in the AFL world,” McCarthy said.

“I feel like I’m getting through sessions a lot better now than I used to.”

With pre-season training in full swing, McCarthy says he feels bigger and fitter than when he arrived.

His rapid development last year saw him perform strongly across half-back before showcasing his on-ball potential late in the season, and that midfield role is now firmly in focus.

McCarthy has been training predominantly through the middle this summer, working closely with Luke Shuey and Tim Kelly on body craft, positioning and contest skills.

“Learning off two of the greats is pretty special. I feel privileged to learn from them,” McCarthy said.

Although technically a second-year Eagle, McCarthy jokes about being one of the older players among the club’s young core.

Surrounded by teammates several years his junior, he has found himself in a unique role both learning the AFL environment from them and offering life experience in return.

“It’s a bit strange at times,” McCarthy said.

“But we’re all picking things up from each other.”

Among the next generation pushing for opportunities, McCarthy highlighted draftee Josh Lindsay for his penetrating left foot, second-year player Hamish Davis for his strength and fitness, and new draft arrivals Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff‑Tytler for their impressive early signs.

McCarthy also noted his excitement about the prospect of playing alongside Elliot Yeo for the first time, with the veteran midfielder building steadily through his monitored pre-season schedule.

 “His experience will help us so much,” McCarthy said.

“We’re praying he can get back, help out the younger players and be a good mentor for us through the midfield.”

Despite a challenging first season in the AFL system McCarthy remains fiercely motivated.

The drive to experience that long-awaited first victory continues to push him through the grind of pre-season.

“I’m thinking about what our first win looks like, and I reckon it’ll come pretty early with the group we’ve got,” McCarthy said.

“The coaches are pushing us hard and setting great standards. We’ll challenge teams a lot more than we did last year.”