WEST Coast co-captain Liam Duggan was cleared of serious injury during a training scare on Monday morning, while other Eagles, including midfield star Tim Kelly, ramped up their pre-season routines.
Duggan caused a stir in the camp during the workout at Mineral Resources Park when he looked to strain a knee and was treated by trainers after hobbling off the track, but the Eagles subsequently acknowledged he had suffered a corked leg.
The premiership defender has been in terrific form in preseason after taking up leadership with colleague Oscar Allen, enjoying bursts in the midfield while rotating from defence, where he will be even more vital following the retirement of champion Shannon Hurn.
The 27-year-old had some impressive moments in an AFLX-style match simulation session on Monday as the Eagles switched up their training approach, with the captain returning late to finish some exercises following his injury scare.
Wingman Campbell Chesser, who participated in a match simulation last week, was also on light duty on Monday, but the Eagles said he was being monitored and would resume training later this week.
Chesser, who alternated between wing and center square in match practice last week, has been in great physical shape ahead of a critical third season for the gifted 20-year-old.
Kelly, meanwhile, moved well on Monday as the 2023 club champion continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old, who sustained a typical hamstring strain two weeks ago, was managed for the modified match play but appears to be on pace to resume full training shortly after kicking well and running at a high intensity during drills.
The Eagles continued to monitor second-year midfielder Reuben Ginbey’s training loads, with the big-bodied 19-year-old looking at ease throughout drills before being pulled out of match action to train on a different oval.
Draftee Harley Reid continued to impress during Monday’s match practice, driving up the field from the defensive half and breaking lines with his piercing kick. Elliot Yeo, the dual club champion, was also in fine form as he continued his remarkable training block.
Midfielder Jai Culley is making good progress in his recovery from an ACL injury sustained in round eight of last season, with the 20-year-old practicing with a spring in his step and kicking well before finishing a jogging session separate from the main group.
