Andrew McQualter felt “a bit flat” leaving Josh Lindsay out of the WA Freeze clash against Port Adelaide but believes competition for spots is a positive sign for West Coast’s developing list.
Lindsay was squeezed out of the backline by recruit Brandon Starcevich’s call-up for his Club debut in round 13 against the Power on Saturday night.
The 19-year-old has played 11 games since his debut in round one and was the Rising Star nominee in round 10 – a sign of his exciting future in blue and gold.
“In some ways I’m a bit flat for Josh going out of the team. I think Josh is going to be an incredible player for us for a long time,” Eagles coach McQualter said.
“But I’m also happy that we’ve got competition for spots - and real competition for spots. It’s a good thing and helps our whole list develop.
“I understand where we’ve been that our fans want to see our young, talented players play but every week we’re picking our best team to win and we’re developing all of our squad as much as we can and as quickly as we can.”
Two-time premiership Lion Starcevich stiffens West Coast's backline and provides tall and small cover, with the Eagles also recalling young forward-ruck Cooper Duff-Tytler.
McQualter said Starcevich will be available to play close to his normal full game time after two runs in the WAFL following calf injuries.
“We’re rapt to get him in the side and he’s already a leader at our footy club over a short period of time,” McQualter said.
“Without putting too many expectations on him he’s going to have a great influence on our group.
“He’s a pretty quiet guy but as soon as he steps on to the oval he’s loud and demanding.
“He’s got a good balance, he’s got a good temperament and he’s highly experienced. He’s been able to stand up on the big occasion which is what we ask of any leader.”
The Eagles and Port played a thriller in round three, with Jobe Shanahan’s match-saving mark ensuring an epic two-point win for West Coast at Adelaide Oval.
The Power have since beaten Geelong and lost thrillers against Adelaide (one point), the Bulldogs (two) and Hawthorn (three).
“I certainly think if you look at the ladder you don’t get the full picture of Port Adelaide,” McQualter said.
“I think they’ve been really competitive and if you give them time and space they’ll slice you up.”
The Eagles’ WAFL team will play at Claremont on Saturday afternoon, with Jake Miles-Wrency set to play his first game for the club after three appearances for Perth’s reserves.
The category B rookie was signed before round one and is an exciting project player for West Coast.
“Exciting to see him play his first game for our club,” McQualter said.
“We’ve got him playing as an athletic key defender. He hasn’t played footy for five or six years apart from those three reserves games he was able to play.
“The biggest thing for Jake will be building up his endurance base and tolerance to playing football. He’s got some real traits that we like and he’s a long-term project for us.”
