Versatile Eagle Tom McCarthy says West Coast’s playing group is encouraged by the direction the team is heading as they prepare for Sunday’s ANZAC round clash with St Kilda.
While the scoreboard didn’t fall the Eagles’ way in last weekend’s Western Derby, McCarthy said the review had been a positive one, with the group taking confidence from key areas of their performance.
The Eagles eclipsed Fremantle in inside 50s (51-50) and the contest (124-119) while almost breaking-even in the stoppage game (26-28) – one of the Dockers’ key strengths.
“It’s (the review) actually been pretty positive, despite the scoreboard not really reflecting how we went,” McCarthy said.
“Our contest was good and the way we defended out of stoppage, and then just our conversion going forward unfortunately wasn’t up to standard.
“We know what we can do and we know what we're capable of. We've just got to put it ahead hopefully this week.”
McCarthy has found consistency in recent weeks after shifting back into defence, a move he says has allowed him to play to his strengths after completing a full pre‑season in the midfield.
The highly-skilled 2025 mid-season recruit collected a season-high 28 disposals for the second match in a row as he builds into a strong patch of form.
“It’s been great,” McCarthy said.
“Definitely a strength of mine, so I'm pretty happy with how I'm going there the last few weeks. A lot of improvement left, but I’m able to get my game going a bit more.
“I worked a lot on my contests (in pre-season). I thought it wasn't as good last year, so went after that in the pre-season.
“And then being able to impact in one-on-ones and aerial contests through the backline, that sort of helped with my pre-season through the midfield, getting a bit bigger and stronger through the contest.”
McCarthy also praised the development of first‑year defender Josh Lindsay, who has shared responsibility with ball movement coming out of defence.
“He’s developing nicely, just really composed with the ball and his skills are electric,” McCarthy said.
“I just keep telling him to take the game on and it helps me, it helps all our defenders, so if he can keep going the way he is, he's going to have a great career.”
Looking ahead to St Kilda, McCarthy said the Eagles wouldn’t be underestimating their opponent, describing the Saints as a side building towards a distinct brand of football.
“They’re starting to find their way, and they’ve got some really talented players,” McCarthy said.
“We’re going to respect them, but we’re also going to go after them and really attack their game.”
Sunday’s clash will be played under the significance of ANZAC Round, with the Eagles wearing a specially designed guernsey to commemorate the occasion.
The design features golden wattle framing the Eagles crest, symbolising remembrance, respect and national identity.
“I love the ANZAC weekend,” McCarthy said.
“It’s a great opportunity to respect the ANZACs and what they’ve done. The guernsey has a lot of meaning behind it which we’ve learned about during the week.
“It’s a very special round and I’m really thankful to be playing in it.”
