West Coast has announced the signing of three rookies to bolster their injury-hit squad ahead of the 2022 season.
Former Richmond father-son Patrick Naish will link up with the squad after impressing in last week’s AAMI Community Series game, while former Dockers ruckman Luke Strnadica and midfielder Tom Joyce also join the club as rookies after Tom Cole and Campbell Chesser were put on the inactive list after sustaining long term injuries.
“We have obviously received an unusually high number of long-term injuries in the last few weeks and we needed to navigate a way through that to offer greater depth in a number of areas,” West Coast list and recruiting boss Rohan O’Brien said in a club statement.
“So we placed Campbell Chesser and Tom Cole on the inactive list because they are likely to be sidelined for the next four to six months. They are both important players in the short and long term and we need to act in their best interests and give them time to recover appropriately.
“That also means we are able to provide opportunities for Luke Strnadica, Tom Joyce and Patrick Naish which is exciting. All three have been most impressive through this period with both their attitude and application and it is great to offer them another chance.”
West Coast also recently signed Hugh Dixon ahead of Round 1, with Adam Simpson’s side battling a raft of injuries as well as the continued absence of unvaccinated forward Jack Darling.
The Eagles will open their season with a home game against Gold Coast next Sunday.