Elliot Yeo says he was simply grateful to be back playing AFL football again after making his long‑awaited return in Sunday’s season opener against Gold Coast.

The two‑time All‑Australian lined up for his first AFL game since 2024, having spent all of last season sidelined with knee and ankle injuries sustained during the 2025 pre-season.

Despite the result, Yeo said he relished the chance to compete again.

“It was good to get out there. It’s been a while,” Yeo said.

“Even though we lost, I still had fun being out there and just enjoyed my time with all the young, talented kids coming through.

“I played a few different roles on the weekend, which was great. I was just happy to be out there and playing with the younger boys and some of the older recruits I hadn’t played with before.”

Yeo said the group had already reviewed the match and identified a clear shift after half-time.

“It was a tale of two halves,” Yeo said.

“The first half wasn’t the way we wanted to play, but in the second half we regathered and stuck to our game plan. Winning the contest helped, and I thought our ball movement improved.

“We're still learning and there were some positive signs in that second half.”

Sunday marked the first time Yeo had played alongside 13 teammates in an AFL match, highlighting the scale of West Coast’s list turnover.

“It’s flipped a fair bit in the past couple of years,” Yeo said.

“But the young guys have plenty of energy and talent. They’re sponges and they want to get better. We know where we’re at and what we need to do to improve.

“They're along for the ride and they're absolutely loving it and they're bringing the energy, which is great.”

Yeo also praised midfield recruits Dev Robertson and Jack Graham, both of whom he played alongside for the first time on Sunday, noting that their inclusion helps him transition and better manage his workload.

“It takes a bit of relief off the shoulders,” Yeo said.

“It makes it easier for me and my body, but it also puts pressure on spots and that’s something we’ve lacked through injuries.

“Having competition for positions is only going to make us better, quicker.”

Yeo reported feeling good after his return outing and is working towards increased midfield minutes as his load gradually increases.

“There’s always a plan, but it’s week to week depending on how you feel,” Yeo said.

“Hopefully in a couple of weeks I can roll through and play a bit more midfield.”

Yeo also confirmed he is embracing new positional challenges in 2026 after senior coach Andrew McQualter asked him to play forward at stages.

“Whatever the team needs me to play, I’m happy to do,” Yeo said.

“It was different, trying to get my head around a few different roles that I hadn't played before, but I'm happy to fill a role and play to the best of my ability, that’s all that matters at the end of the day.”