The West Coast Eagles’ evolving list has brought fresh energy to the club this pre‑season, with midfielder Clay Hall praising the cohesion, competitiveness and optimism building within the playing group.

After an off‑season that saw significant list turnover, with 11 new players joining the squad, Hall says the mix of experienced recruits, emerging leaders and young talent has quickly created a strong connection across the squad.

“There’s been a massive turnaround (of the squad) over the past couple of years, but everyone’s really gelled,” Hall said.

“We’ve got leaders, youth and guys from different programs all bringing something different, and it’s created a great feeling around the club.”

That togetherness has carried through to the summer break, with many players choosing to return to Perth early to train together ahead of the return to pre‑season.

“A lot of the boys came back early just so we could train together before we actually phase back into training at the club,” Hall said.

“We’ve got such great relationships with each other, and when you’ve got 46 best mates all pulling in the same direction it’s unreal.”

Coming off a promising season featuring 13 AFL appearances, Hall has spent much of the summer working through a shift toward a role on the wing.

The 20-year-old Binningup product is embracing the competition created by new midfield arrivals and emerging talent pushing for opportunities.

“It’s great bringing in players like Harry Schoenberg, Fin Macrae and Dev Robertson,” Hall said.

“We’ll play similar positions, so putting that healthy competitiveness between us to make each other better throughout training is great, even if we do have to adapt to a bit of versatility.”

Hall also highlighted the impact of several teammates throughout the preseason, speaking highly of the work ethic and professionalism shown by the group’s emerging leaders and young players alike.

“To see the jump Tom McCarthy has taken this pre‑season has been unbelievable,” Hall said.

“He’s just such a clean player, and that doesn’t come from luck, it comes from a lot of reps.”

Hall said No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma had also impressed with his standards on the training track.

“He hasn’t even played an AFL game yet, but the way he’s applying himself in training has been great asking questions, attacking his gym work and trying to put on some size,” Hall said.

Hall also praised defender Reuben Ginbey, citing the standards he sets day‑to‑day behind the scenes.

“I’m his housemate, so I see everything he does, and he just never puts a foot wrong,” Hall said.

“He’s probably the hardest‑working guy I’ve ever seen; extra swimming, extra cardio, extra weights, working on his craft.

“He really sets the standard.”

Hall also noted the strong summer put together by close mate Harley Reid, highlighting the steps he has taken away from the spotlight.

“To see the effort Harley’s put into his diet, his fitness and even his defensive running this pre‑season has been unreal,” Hall said.

With optimism building and standards driven internally, Hall believes the Eagles’ close‑knit environment is laying strong foundations for the season ahead.

“We're all striving for the same goal. Which is just to be as competitive as we can this year and see where that takes us.”