The fun police have come for the West Coast Eagles, with former AFL star Kane Cornes blasting the club’s decision to allow players to dress in costume for their internal process.
In a new club tradition, the players arrived for their final pre-season hit before league matches dressed as musicians, superheroes and other pop culture favorites before taking to the field.
However, Elijah Hewett and Reuben Ginbey stole the show, dressed as Kansa City NFL star and Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce and international pop star Taylor Swift.
While the Eagles commented on the images of Hewett and Ginbey dressed as Kelce and Swift, fans were quick to comment on other images, praising 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),” another replied.
“More of Taylor Swift please,” another added.
West Coast Eagles players Elijah Hewett and Reuben Ginbey dressed as NFL Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce and superstar singer Taylor Swift
The dress-up day was also held last season. The players dress up as their favorite fictional or non-fictional character before the hard work begins
After dismal on-field results over the past two seasons, Kane Cornes believes the West Coast Eagles need to take their preparation more seriously
Cornes, however, was not amused: the Eagles finished in 17th place in 2022 and the dreaded wooden spoon in 2023.
“I’m totally going to be on an island with this and I’m happy to be on an island alone,” Cornes told SEN Breakfast.
“Pull your socks off West Coast Eagles, who showed up to their internal trial all wearing the most ridiculous outfits you’ve ever seen.
“It’s a start to the NBA, it’s a bit of fun, I understand that, but there were players with overalls with nothing underneath, there were players dressed as superheroes, there were suits with hats, there were Hawaiian shirts. It was ridiculous.
‘For a club that has won five games in the last two years, I want a little more professionalism and an attitude to match.
“It’s not Mad Monday, it’s the first day of your season and there’s no need for you to dress up as superheroes and have your picture taken and posted on social media. Let’s get serious.’
While Cornes may not have been amused with the light-hearted way of ending pre-season, halfback Jayden Hunt liked what he saw during the internal trial.
‘It was a good blow. it was 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 scored meaningful goals and were ready for their pre-season clash with Fremantle
Harley Reid enjoyed some good touches and West Coast fans will expect big things from their No. 1 draft pick
‘In recent weeks it almost seems like you’re itching to really put up some resistance, and that’s a good thing, it means the boys are ready.
“We definitely took it another level today and we’ll have to take it another level next week against a real opponent.”
All eyes will be on No. 1 draft recruit Harley Reid this season and the prize recruit battled with young midfielder Campbell Chesser over opponents in the center and showed glimpses of quality.
“(Harley) is obviously doing some things that no one else can do, and that’s pretty amazing. Good goal and I’m looking forward to seeing him against Freo and in the season,” Hunt said.
‘Sometimes you have to step back and watch him do his thing. Some of the other younger guys have shown some good things so I’m optimistic and hopefully we can build that into the season.
“(Chesser) worked very hard. He adds that little bit of different dynamics: he is super fast and explosive.
“I think he was really impressive today.”