West Coast’s Jack Graham says he would have liked the opportunity to play with star midfielder Elliot Yeo following strong reports he may not play a game this year.
Earlier this week, coach Andrew McQualter admitted Yeo is racing against the clock to play a game this season following another setback in his recovery last week.
The 31-year-old has been benched since pre-season, with a knee and ankle complaint, his knee making a full recovery.
Yeo went under the knife a second time in May to address his ankle, but his recovery has taken longer than expected.
Speaking to SportFM ahead of this weekend’s match in Adelaide, Graham says Yeo would have been a handy addition to the side.
“You feel for the Yeoy. Every time it gets announced, he’s back into a few drills, there’s a setback where his ankle’s not pulling up how he wants it to,” he said.
“He’s one of those players who you’re excited to play with. I only played half a match sim with him, and the way he goes about it, so smart. The clearance king.
“He would be handy out in the field at the time, but he’s got to get his body right.
I think he’s still hoping for some games at the back end of the year, but going to have to see session by session with him.”
Although West Coast’s injury list is the lowest it has been for years, the players on the sidelines are unfortunately some of the most important.
Along with Yeo, forward duo Jake Waterman (shoulder) and Oscar Allen (Achilles/knee) are both sidelined for the rest of the season.
All-Australian defender Jeremy McGovern also medically retired due to repeated concussions, with premiership hero Dom Sheed announcing his retirement later on after an ACL injury sustained during preseason.
Despite these huge outs, Graham says that West Coast are fit, but the younger players are still finding their limits.
“We’re a pretty fit side. We’re very young, so I think younger players, do they know what they can push their body to do?” he said.
“We’re healthy as well, which is handy, except that probably most senior players and leaders are on the sidelines, which hurts.
“I definitely think we’re fit enough and up for the fight.”
West Coast heads into this weekend’s clash still with one win under their belt and on the verge of a second wooden spoon in three years.
They will face a difficult task against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Graham says they are looking to get a strong start after last week’s disappointing first quarter against the Giants.
“Port supporters normally let you know how you’re going, but obviously, they’re going to get a few there in the hostile environment,” he said.
“That’s where, as a young side, we’ve got to come together, feed off their energy and bring our own.
“You’re about sticking together and starting the game early, we want to be throwing that first punch.”
IMAGE: West Coast Eagles