Harry Schoenberg says he’s loving life as a West Coast Eagle and is pushing hard to make his club debut in round one as the countdown to the 2026 season edges closer.

The new Eagles recruit started in the A-team during last Friday’s intraclub match, his first major hit-out in blue and gold, which he admitted was a welcome confidence boost as he settles into his new surroundings.

“I’ve only been here a short time but I’m really enjoying it,” Schoenberg said.

“It’s always pretty tough playing against your own teammates because everyone knows the game plan, but it was a good hit-out and now we’re looking forward to a proper challenge against Fremantle this weekend.”

The 24‑year‑old has been trialled in several roles over the pre-season, including high half-forward, inside midfield and on the wing, and says he’s happy to play wherever the coaching staff see fit.

“We’ve got two trial games left and I’m happy to fit in wherever the team needs me,” Schoenberg says.

Schoenberg has quickly built strong relationships at the club, with his developing friendship with young gun Harley Reid attracting plenty of interest from fans.

He said their shared country backgrounds helped them click instantly.

“We’re both country fellas and probably both a bit cheeky, so we connected pretty quickly,” Schoenberg laughed.

“Harley is only 20 but he’s really mature. When my family came over for Christmas, the way he connected with my mum and dad straight away really stood out.

“I’ve got massive respect for him.”

Schoenberg admitted Reid’s talent is even greater than he expected.

“I knew he was good, but he’s definitely exceeded that,” Schoenberg said.

“He’s so hard to tackle, the way he moves through stoppages and gets his hands free, plus he can go forward, take a mark, kick a goal. He’s already one of the best I’ve played with.”

The former Crow said he remains grateful for his six seasons at Adelaide but is energised by the new opportunity at West Coast.

“Adelaide gave me my first opportunity,” Schoenberg said.

“I loved my time there and made great relationships, but sometimes your time at a club comes to an end.

“West Coast has given me a second chance and I’m so excited to be here.

“The facilities here are unbelievable, the ovals, the recovery centre, the saunas, the pools. I’ve loved it.

“Training standards have been really similar to Adelaide. It reminds me a lot of the rebuild we were going through before things started to click last year.

“I can see the same thing happening here.”

The AFL Origin clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday night offered an early taste of the atmosphere he hopes to experience soon, with Schoenberg watching on TV as nearly 60,000 fans packed the venue.

“We talked about it as a group,” Schoenberg said.

“You could see the passion the WA boys played with and how the fans got around them. The energy was unbelievable. I can’t wait to run out at Optus in front of big crowds.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s match simulation against Fremantle, Schoenberg said the group will solidify its goals later in the week, but his own approach won’t change.

“I can’t go out and play at 80 per cent, it’s either 100 per cent or nothing,” Schoenberg said.

“We’ve prepped really well all pre-season, so we’ll go out and give it a real crack.”

And as for personal goals, the newcomer isn’t overcomplicating things.

“I’d love to play every game,” Shoenberg said.

“But first, I want to play round one. That’s the goal. And as a team, we want to win some games and keep improving.”