West Coast Eagles recruit Dev Robertson enjoyed a heartfelt homecoming on Tuesday as the club travelled to Northam for its annual Community Camp.

The camp gave the midfielder the chance to revisit the town where his football journey began and the classrooms of St Joseph’s Primary School, where he was once a student.

Robertson stayed the night with his dad, who still lives locally, and said the return stirred plenty of memories.

Now aged 24 and with 47 AFL games to his credit, Robertson knows firsthand the impact community visits can have on young kids.

“I’ve got fond memories of this place. It’s great to be back,” Robertson said.

“I distinctly remember Eagles players coming out when I was at school.

“Seeing the people you look up to in the flesh makes it all feel possible.

“If I can inspire even one or two kids to chase AFL footy, that’d mean a lot.”

After spending the past few months adjusting following his move from the Brisbane Lions, Robertson said he has settled into life back in WA and into a training program he describes as highly competitive and energised.

“Training’s been great, super competitive this time of year,” Robertson said.

“We’re into more match simulation now and the competition for spots is hot.

“The boys are going really well. It’s an exciting year coming up for the club and I’m stoked to be home and part of it.”

Despite arriving from the league’s back-to-back premiers, Robertson said there was little difference between the clubs.

“It's pretty similar in a lot of aspects,” Robertson said.

“One thing you can never take away from the guys here is their attitude and their willingness to learn and get better, and that’s the attributes I've seen at the best club in Australia.”

As Robertson pushes for early-season selection, he says his aim is simple - to earn his spot.

“I’m certainly doing everything I can with my training,” Robertson said.

“I’m under no illusion to be walking into the midfield.

“I'll be doing everything I can to work my way up and hopefully I’ll be selected for round one, but it'll be tough.”

A familiar face has helped ease the transition, with former Brisbane teammate Brandon Starcevich also joining West Coast during the trade period.

“I lived with ‘Starce’ for a bit in Brisbane, so having him here has been great,” Robertson said.

“He’s not just a special player, he’s a great person and exactly the type of character the club wanted. And now he’s in the leadership group, he’s going to be massive for us.”

One of the more surreal aspects of his return has been working closely with Eagles premiership player and former captain Luke Shuey, who is now the club’s stoppage coach.

“I grew up a massive West Coast fan,” Robertson said.

“To now sit in a room with Shuey and bounce ideas around, it’s pretty surreal.”