The fun police have come for the West Coast Eagles with former AFL star Kane Cornes criticizing the club’s decision to allow players to dress in costume for their internal trial.
In a new club tradition, players arrived for their final preseason game before competitive tryouts dressed as musicians, superheroes and other pop culture favorites before taking the field.
However, Elijah Hewett and Reuben Ginbey stole the show, dressing as Kansas City NFL star and Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce and international pop star Taylor Swift.
While the Eagles commented on images of Hewett and Ginbey dressed as Kelce and Swift, fans were quick to comment on other images and praised the club for its light-hearted approach to the preseason.
‘Travis and Taylor GOLD,’ one fan commented.
‘The Tay Swift and Travis Kelce combo was [fire emoji]answered another.
“More Taylor Swift please,” added another.
West Coast Eagles players Elijah Hewett and Reuben Ginbey dressed as NFL Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce and superstar singer Taylor Swift.
Last season, costume day was also celebrated. Players dress up as their favorite fictional or non-fiction character before the hard work begins.
After dismal results on the field over the past two seasons, Kane Cornes believes the West Coast Eagles should treat their pre-season more seriously.
Cornes was not amused, however, as the Eagles finished 17th in 2022 and the dreaded wooden spoon in 2023.
“I’m completely on an island with this and I’m happy to be on an island on my own,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.
‘Pull up your socks West Coast Eagles, who showed up to their in-house trial wearing the most ridiculous outfits you’ve ever seen.
“It’s an NBA takeoff, it’s kind of funny, I get it, but there were players in overalls with nothing underneath, players dressed like superheroes, suits with hats, Hawaiian shirts. It was ridiculous.
“For a club that has won five games in the last two years, I want a bit more professionalism and an attitude that reflects that.”
‘It’s not Crazy Monday, it’s the first day of your season and we don’t need you to dress like superheroes and appear in photographs and on all social networks. Let’s get serious.’
While Cornes may not have been amused by the upbeat way to cap off the preseason, halfback Jayden Hunt liked what he saw during the internal test.
“It was a good shot. “It was a really competitive and good final preparation for Freo next week,” Hunt said.
The Eagles’ Matt Flynn contests the ruck during the West Coast Eagles AFL Intra Club match at Mineral Resources Park
Jayden Hunt said the club had enjoyed significant success and was ready for its pre-season clash with Fremantle.
Harley Reid enjoyed some nice touches and West Coast fans will expect big things from their number one draft pick.
“These last few weeks it’s almost like you’re looking forward to facing real opposition, which is good, it means the boys are ready.
“We definitely went up another level today and we’re going to have to go up a level next week against real opponents.”
All eyes will be on number one draft pick Harley Reid this season and the prize recruit battled with young midfielder Campbell Chesser on opposing teams on central rebounds showing flashes of quality.
“(Harley) obviously does a couple of things that no one else can do, which is pretty amazing. Good hit and I’m looking forward to seeing it against Freo and into the season,” Hunt said.
“Sometimes you have to take a step back and watch him do it. Some of the other younger guys showed some good things, so I’m optimistic and hoping we can build that into the season.
‘(Chesser) has been working very hard. It adds that slightly different dynamic, it’s super fast and explosive.
“I thought he was really impressive today.”