Clay Hall

West Coast draftee suffers injury at intra-club hitout

Another pre-season concern for a young Eagle.

Published by
Mitch Keating

West Coast draftee Clay Hall is the latest Eagle placed under an injury cloud after suffering a leg injury during Saturday's match simulation session at Lathlain Park.

A crunching tackle from midfielder Elliot Yeo left Hall in some discomfort on the ground shortly after a ball-up in the middle of the field.

Initial concerns of a potential head knock for Hall arose after Yeo turned the teenager into the turf, with the veteran Eagles onballer perhaps fortunate that his actions didn't come during the home and away season, with Match Review scrutiny likely to have come as a result.

Hall was assisted off the field and was limping while in the hands of trainers, with fears of a lower leg issue sparking for the Pick 38 selection.

The Eagles confirmed shortly after the incident that the Peel Thunder product will undergo scans.

"Clay Hall has come from the field with a lower leg injury and won't play any further part in the intraclub. He will be sent for scans and the club will provide an update when available," a club post read.

Hall's ailment came as a sour note in the Eagles' intra-club session, with fellow draftee Harley Reid impressing with his ball use and strength across half-back.

Dashing defender Jayden Hunt has also been among the standouts with his run and penetrating kicking, while Jamie Cripps and Oscar Allen have had a big say in front of the sticks to contribute to the scoreboard.

West Coast Eagle Clay Hall at pre-season training, 2024 (Image via West Coast FC)

Second-year midfield-forward Noah Long has also impressed, while young attacker Tyrell Dewar has shown good signs.

Emergoing backman Brady Hough continued his promising summer run as a formidable two-way talent.

The aforementioned Yeo has been a constant in midfield and looks primed for a Round 1 showing after missing the early rounds of the past three seasons.

Fellow midfielders Dom Sheed and Elijah Hewett are both currently sidelined with foot injuries, while small forward Liam Ryan is still some time away from a return as he nurses a high-grade hamstring injury.

West Coast are scheduled to face Fremantle and Adelaide as part of their pre-season schedule before a Round 1 bout with Port Adelaide in South Australia on Sunday, March 17.

Published by
Mitch Keating