West Coast teenager Brady Hough is set to make hay amongst the club's injury and Covid related chaos by making his AFL debut on Sunday afternoon.
The rangy 19-year-old joined the Eagles' ranks in November of last year after being plucked from the Peel Thunder's Colts side with the 31st selection of the draft.
While the cost of seismic losses to both ailments and health and safety protocols has removed many mainstays from his senior side, head coach Adam Simpson claimed that the boyhood Eagles fan was ready to make the step up.
“He’ll play this week, he’ll debut for the football club,” Simpson stated on Monday evening.
“He’s just adapted to every level he’s gone up to.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him play.”
The Western Australian proved handy during both pre-season hitouts against Fremantle, including a 14 disposal outing at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 6.
With the ability to use the ball well, as evidenced by his 71 per cent disposal efficiency against the Dockers, Hough has been touted to fill a role between half-back and the engine room.
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Topping the tape at190cms, the youngster will provide an option in the air, but with the scales balancing at 77kgs, Hough still has plenty of filling out to do before becoming a threat at the coal face.
Despite this, Eagles veteran Jack Reddan held the view that Hough would hold himself in good stead this weekend.
“I think he is (ready), he’s looked right at home,” Redden explained to The West Australian.
“The best thing about Houghy is he’s played his role, first and foremost, that’s what all the boys appreciate.
“He’s another one who’s come in and played his role really well.
“He looks settled across half-back there and looks like he’ll be a nice athlete once he fills out a little bit.
“I’ve been impressed with him and what he’s been able to achieve in the pre-season.
“It’s quite a good effort by a first-year player.”
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Hough is expected to be joined in a blue and gold guernsey for the first time along with ex-Blue, Sam Petrevski-Seton.
The 24-year-old managed 94-games in navy blue during his five seasons spent at Princes Park but sought a trade home at the cessation of last season.
Hough and the Eagles are set to play host to the Suns at Optus Stadium this Sunday, with the opening bounce scheduled for 7:40 pm AEDT.
