Sam Allen, Fred Rodriguez and Tylah Williams spoke to the media following their third day of training
By westcoasteagles.com.au
New draftees Sam Allen, Fred Rodriguez and Tylah Williams have shared their excitement about joining West Coast and their determination to make an impact.
Allen, selected at pick 29 from Oakleigh Chargers, described the past few days as surreal, saying it had been a whirlwind but an incredible experience settling into the club.
“The boys have been so welcoming, and I’m just excited to learn as much as I can and contribute wherever I can,’ Allen said.
Settling into life in Perth has been made easier by living with teammate Matt Owies and having other Victorian draftees Willem Duursma, Cooper Duff-Tytler and Josh Lindsay around him.
“Having a few of the boys come over with me has been massive,” Allen said.
“We can lean on each other and build great connections.”
While Allen is on a specific program as he builds back from and ACL injury, he is confident of returning in better shape than ever.
The athletic wingman recorded a 101cm running vertical leap early in the year before his injury, and a sub six-minute 2km time trial.
“The resources here are incredible and it gives me confidence that I’ll come back stronger and better than ever,” Allen said.
Pick number one in the rookie draft Fred Rodriguez reflected on the rollercoaster of draft week, admitting Thursday night was stressful as picks passed by without his name being called.
“Every name that goes by, you know there’s one less pick,” Rodriguez said.
“I was gutted after the national draft, but Friday was a big change, and I’m super stoked to end up at West Coast.”
The South Fremantle midfield product was WA’s MVP at the under-18s championships and said the experience of being overlooked in the national draft had only fuelled his determination.
“It definitely lit a fire,” Rodriguez said.
“I’m not here to make up numbers, I want to earn my spot.”
Tylah Williams, a product of the Next Generation Academy with West Coast, said pulling on the Eagles jumper was an easy transition.
“It feels natural to be in the blue and gold,” Williams said.
“Coming in throughout the year helped me slot right in, I already know the coaches and the boys, so I’m really comfortable.”
Williams, a quick and agile small forward, also shared his excitement about joining a young, rebuilding squad.
“The group we have is really exciting,” Williams said.
“Over the next few years, we’re going to be a great team and I can’t wait to be part of that.”