West Coast midfielder Jack Graham is confident young defender Sandy Brock can hold his own in what might be his toughest challenge to date against a star-studded Geelong forward line. 

This comes after he put up a solid performance to hold Adelaide key forward Darcy Fogarty to a single goal, which only came in the dying stages of West Coast’s 66-point loss last Sunday. 

Harry Edwards and Brock will face their toughest task yet, going against Geelong star forward Jeremy Cameron, who currently leads the Coleman Medal count with 33 goals.

And recent trends suggest Brock could succeed, with Brock not conceding a major against his direct opponent since his nightmare debut against GWS’ Jesse Hogan, where he kicked a career high nine goals. 

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Geelong, Graham is confident Brock can get the job done. 

“The Geelong Football club, they’re quality and they’re playing some good footy at the moment,” he told SportFM.

“Sandy Brock’s holding his own. He’s only played a handful of games, but he’s always put his hand up to go on the best defenders and learn his craft. 

“They’ve got skilled players all over the field, but I’m loving Sandy Brock at the moment and his development.” 

Down the other end, West Coast will look to replace All-Australian Jake Waterman, after a shoulder injury saw him placed on the inactive list and ruled out for the rest of the season.

The key forward’s loss is a massive blow to the Eagles, who already have numerous high-profile senior players on the injury list, including Jeremy McGovern, Jamie Cripps and Elliot Yeo. 

Graham says Waterman’s loss will be difficult, but provides another opportunity for a young player to fill the gap.

“It’s tough news to swallow. Jake’s a leader of our footy club and has a crack every week,” he said.

“You love kicking to him because he just competes and marks it most times. We’re definitely going to miss having Jake out there, but we’ll just have to get around him and support him.

“It’s tough knowing he’s done for the year because you have a solid preseason and just knowing that you’re done for the rest of the year is tough to swallow. 

“Definitely going to miss him, but it just gives someone an opportunity now to step up.” 

Jack Williams is one player who will be putting his hand up to play in Waterman’s place this weekend after an impressive outing in the WAFL. 

The 21-year-old was a silver lining for Eagles’ reserves, booting four goals in their 57-point loss to West Perth and is just one of the many promising young players this season. 

“Reuben continues to grow,” said Graham.

“Jack Hutchinson, he just plays his role for the team. We can chuck him anywhere, he goes half forward, to the wing, to the midfield,” said Graham.

“Elijah Hewett is continuing to grow. Harley, just these younger players, the more games and the confidence they build, it’s really going to hold us a good stead. 

“They’re the players of our club in the next two, three years. So it’s really exciting.”

IMAGE: West Coast Eagles