West Coast Eagles Premiership defender Tom Cole has swapped the backline for the forward line in recent weeks, kicking multiple goals in a game for the first time in his career against Port Adelaide last weekend.

While Cole said he doesn’t have a whole lot of experience in the role, he’s enjoying this new part of his football journey.

“Not a whole lot (of experience as a forward),” Cole said.

“I’ve always gravitated towards being a defender, even when I was younger, I played a lot of defence or midfield.

“So, it’s been different, but at the same time, I’ve played on some good forwards over my journey, so I kind of know the running patterns of a forward and what good forwards do.

“I’ve had some goals kicked on me from good forwards, and played on some good forwards over the years, so I’ve learnt a little bit over that journey.”

Cole shared how the role-swap eventuated, with senior coach Andrew McQualter suggesting the move, recognising that Cole’s skillset could be transferable in the absence of some injured small forwards.

“Mini came to me a few weeks ago, just with the depth we have in our backline at the moment, we’ve got some guys playing really good footy,” Cole said.

“Josh Lindsay has been in, Bo Allan, we’ve got ‘Starc’ (Brandon Starcevich), we’ve got some good depth there.

“We had some injuries to our small forwards, and Mini saw an opportunity, and the strengths of my game kind of translate to that of a high half-forward, just work rate and pressure.

“Mini thought I could bring that, and I obviously jumped at the opportunity to stay in the AFL side and play up forward, and it’s been a good few weeks.”

West Coast’s 2025 Best Defensive Player and John Worsfold Medal runner-up Reuben Ginbey has been in career-best form this season, but unfortunately suffered a serious quad injury against the Power on Saturday night.

Cole expressed how important Ginbey is for this developing young group.

“He’s been a such a rock for us this year and he’s a much-loved teammate,” Cole said.

“He works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen and to lose him is disappointing, but he’s in good spirits so we’ll get around him.

“He’s selfless, and you can see that in the way he plays footy, he’s happy to sacrifice his game to take out the opposition's best forward, and he’s been really developing this year.

“We’re flat to lose him because he’s such an important part of our team.”

The Eagles take on North Melbourne this weekend at Optus Stadium, and while the Kangaroos come into his game off the back of a 124-point loss to Fremantle, Cole is expecting a strong response.

“I didn’t get to watch a whole lot of the game, obviously the score line didn’t look great, they will be wanting to respond, I’m sure,” Cole said.

“Every AFL player goes out there to compete and win and I’m sure they will be disappointed with that result.

“They’ve had some good wins this year against some good teams, so I’m sure they will be ready to compete, and we’ll be ready for the best version of them, so it should be a good game.”