The 253 engine is an iconic Holden motor that powered some of the legendary vehicles on Australian roads.
Tomorrow, young midfielder Xavier O’Neill will become the 253rd player to represent the West Coast Eagles when he makes his debut against GWS at Optus Stadium.
Appropriately he will be part of a humming V8 engine room, combining with the likes of captain Luke Shuey, Tim Kelly, Dom Sheed and Andrew Gaff as the Eagles strive to win their eighth consecutive game ahead of their departure to Queensland.
O’Neill becomes the fifth club debutant of the season – following on from Kelly, Jamaine Jones, Harry Edwards and Nic Reid – and was presented with his jumper by Shuey ahead of today’s captain’s run.
Shuey has been something of a mentor for O’Neill who was the club’s first selection in the 2018 draft, at pick 28. The skipper has spent some time training with the rookie, especially during the periods of isolation that have punctuated this testing year.
O’Neill would love to emulate his training partner, but like a good engine he might need a little time to run himself in. He won’t go from 0km/h-100km/h in his first game, but he is an exciting youngster who will get those pistons firing.
He’s physically and mentally ready for this, has a good tank and a demeanour that indicates he will cope with the step up to the next level.
To add another layer, he will wear the famous No.24, renowned for the grunt and thirst for the contest of its original custodian, John Worsfold.
The inclusion of O‘Neill as the replacement for injured veteran Jack Redden as well as the return of form defender Laim Duggan at the expense of Brayden Ainsworth were the changes made after the Hawthorn victory last week.
The Eagles know they are confronting one of the most talent-laden teams in the competition and they will need to be on guard.
And after this game the focus will turn on getting to Queensland for a second stint on the Gold Coast where the first assignment will be that of the premiers, Richmond, on Thursday night.
That is the first of five games in 19 days and the emergencies for this GWS battle – Bailey Williams, Hamish Brayshaw, Lewis Jetta and Mark Hutchings can be confident they will get an opportunity during that frenetic period.
