After a rough start to his career, winning just eight of his first 60 games, Brady Hough hopes to turn the Eagles' luck around with his efforts in a new midfield role.
The 22-year-old debuted as a backman in 2022 under ex-Eagles head coach Adam Simpson and has remained there through the majority of his playing career.
He has averaged 14 disposals per game over the course of his career but seeing in increased midfield minutes in their game against the Hawks on Sunday, he was able to record a season high 23 touches.
Hough says that he has always had the desire to play in the midfield at AFL level and is excited his new coach has given him the opportunity.
"I played my midfield through the WAFL, I've been thrown down back for the last four years but it has always been a part of my game that I have wanted to get back to and improve on, so it was good fun getting back in there and hopefully I get a few more cracks at it," he said.
"It's just good to be around the contest, bring my strengths around there, it's great to be able to play alongside Hewey (Elijah Hewett), Hutch (Jack Hutchison), Harley (Reid). It's a really young midfield which is exciting for the club, I think we did a really good job in there on the weekend, we weren't too far off in clearances around the stoppage, so still plenty to improve on, but it was good signs.
"The feedback was pretty positive from the game, I've still got plenty to improve on, but that was my first look at AFL midfield time. It's tough going in there, but there was some good signs, and hopefully I can see it out for however long they want me there. It's good to be able to have that versatility.
"I think I have improved on my game a lot since coming through my third and fourth year. I've sort of filled out a bit, and I think I am able to play a midfield role now, whereas coming in, I was quite a light frame, and I probably fit in a lot better down back, and that is where Simmo saw me playing my best footy. I am really keen to get in there this year and the years going forward. I did pitch it to Mini (Andrew McQualter) and he was pretty keen to explore it as well."
Hough's move into the midfield coincides with fellow Eagles youngster Reuben Ginbey's move down back after spending his first two years in the league as a midfielder.
The club has had its worst start to a season in its history and will look to earn its first win against the Melbourne Demons on Saturday night.
