The biggest individual challenges in this COVID-19 impacted season is the capacity for the players who are not selected in the senior team to force their way into the line-up.

With most second-tier competitions yet to start – and AFL-listed players unable to play in those leagues when they roar to life – managing a level of match play has been difficult.

In the last fortnight, though, through a spirit of co-operation with Gold Coast and Brisbane, the Eagles players not selected for the AFL team have been able to compete in match simulation.

And several players are ensuring their names are part of the discussion at match committee.

Jake Waterman, Bailey Williams and Jamaine Jones were all emergencies against the Lions – along with Tom Cole who was held out – and they did their prospects no harm in an early morning hit-out against the Lions.

Waterman and Jones split their time between midfield and forward in a three period match while Williams played mainly forward as Nathan Vardy and Tom Hickey shared ruck responsibilities.

Hamish Brayshaw bullocked his way through the midfield and along with fellow youngsters Xavier O’Neill and Brayden Ainsworth gained plenty of touches and exerted a strong influence on the battle.

Harry Edwards and Luke Foley continue to develop in defence and benefited from having four-time all-Australian Jeremy McGovern alongside them. Jackson Nelson were also among the shining lights at half-back while Francis Watson played with his usual flair.

Anthony Treacy again showed some good traits while Jarrod Cameron and Nic Reid were prominent before sitting out the last period because they were on managed minutes.