West Coast Eagles training notes: Matt Flynn limps off track with injury concern, more positional hints

Hundreds of West Coast fans descended on Mineral Resources Park as the Eagles hit the training track for another pre-season session. Here’s what we saw on Wednesday. OTHER ANKLE West Coast ruckman Matt Flynn limped from the track on Wednesday with an ankle concern just days after the Eagles resumed pre-season training. Flynn had attempted to put weight on his left ankle, the opposite leg to his frustrating injury last season, before sitting down to have it re-strapped by trainers. He got back up to participate in another drill but looked in serious discomfort throughout, limping and grimacing as he tried to walk it off and constantly looking down at his leg. After less than 10 minutes, the former GWS Giant hobbled away from the group and back towards trainers. He ripped off his boot and immediately headed for the sheds. The 27-year-old did not return to the field at Mineral Resources Park but the club later confirmed he had been given the all-clear. Flynn played just four games in his debut Eagles campaign in 2024 as he battled a serious hamstring injury before hurting his ankle late in the year. GET IN POSITION Less than two months out from the home and away season, West Coast continue to drop hints about where new coach Andrew McQualter will utilise players in his first campaign at the helm. As forwards, midfielders and defenders broke off into three groups for drills, there were some surprise moves. Emerging ruckman Harry Barnett, who has played just two games across his first two seasons, joined the backmen for marking drills. Also in that group was star recruit Liam Baker and top draftee Bo Allan, as well as Reuben Ginbey and Ryan Maric. Train-ons Sandy Brock and James Van Ess both competed well in the air as they fight for a list spot, tacking impressive contested marks during the drill. Key position draftee Jobe Shanahan was with the forwards after playing as a tall defender during a scrimmage on Monday. NO CO-CAPTAINS Liam Duggan did not train on Wednesday after he left the track with a corked quad earlier in the week, while his fellow co-captain Oscar Allen was also not sighted. Veteran Elliot Yeo (eye) also did not make an appearance and Rhett Bazzo (foot), as well as young guns Brady Hough and Noah Long. Callum Jamieson and Elijah Hewett watched from the sidelines but did not participate. The Eagles were joined again by Wes Walley and Koby Evans, as part of the club’s Next Generation Academy. The pair are also part of the AFL Academy as promising draft prospects for 2025.