West Coast ruckman Matt Flynn says the Eagles took a meaningful step forward in their preparation for the 2026 season after an encouraging intraclub match at Mineral Resources Park.

Several young players produced standout performances as competition for round one spots heats up ahead of two warm-up games against Fremantle and Port Adelaide.

Flynn said the internal hit-out offered valuable insight into how the squad is tracking after a strong summer.

“It was good to have our final hit-out before we face opposition,” Flynn said.

“Most of the squad got through unscathed, and we saw some really good signs which is exciting.”

Few signs were brighter than the display from the Eagles’ second draft pick Cooper Duff‑Tytler, who lit up the contest with three goals in the opening term before finishing with five for the day, while also rotating through the ruck.

“He's a special talent,” Flynn said.

“I don't think there's many blokes our size that can do the things he does, and to go forward and kick five goals is another string to his bow.”

“The more things that he can do, the better off we're going to be as a team.

“The sky is the limit for him, he’s a genuine talent and I can’t wait to see where that goes.”

Despite his age, Flynn believes Duff‑Tytler could be ready to make an immediate impact at AFL level.

“What he showed today is a good sign he’ll have serious impact straight away,” Flynn said.

Fellow draftee Josh Lindsay impressed across half-back, taking his opportunity with Liam Baker unavailable as he prepares for tomorrow’s AFL Origin clash.

“He’s got elite skills,” Flynn said.

“It gave him a good opportunity to show his strengths and press for a round one spot. We’ve got some exciting young talent coming through and he’s part of that group.”

On the wings, Willem Duursma worked into the contest and hit the scoreboard in the second half.

Flynn said the No.1 draft pick had already shown glimpses of what he could offer.

“Duursma’s an exciting player. He's got silky skills, he's long, he's tall and he's an exceptional aerial player,” Flynn said.

“He’ll be a serious weapon for us. He and Hamish Davis have had terrific preseasons fighting for that wing spot.”

There was also praise for developing ruck Harry Barnett, who returned strongly after a consistent stretch of football.

“He’s a big man, a great runner, aggressive, good overhead,” Flynn said.

“He’s taken massive leaps this preseason and he’ll push me, Cooper, and Archer for that number one spot.”