West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has labelled Elliot Yeo a scary prospect after the premiership midfielder starred during the Eagles' intraclub hit-out on Friday night.
Yeo's past two-and-a-half seasons have been cruelled by osteitis pubis and soft tissue injuries, with some critics even calling him unfit and overweight last year.
The 29-year-old is expected to be mainly deployed across half back this season along with some stints in the midfield, and his hot form on Friday night has boosted hopes of a big year ahead.
"He's really fit and healthy, and a fit and healthy Yeo is a pretty scary thing," Naitanui said during the club's fan day on Saturday.
"Having him at half back and running through the middle - he had a fair few clearances last night and dominated.
"I'm excited to have Yeo running around again. Yeo's a professional. He's been a guy who's had niggles and interruptions along the way.
"I don't think he has a point to prove. It's more about just going out there and showing everyone what he does best."
Naitanui was also impressed by goalsneak Noah Long, the No.58 pick from last year's national draft.
"He's got the skills but he's got the smarts of a Mark LeCras type," Naitanui said.
"He's got that hunger to keep it in there and trap it in there when we don't have the footy. He can also hit the scoreboard."
First-round draft picks Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett are pushing hard for a round-one debut.
"Reubs is an exciting young talent, him and Elijah Hewett and a few of the other boys are really showcasing what they can do," Naitanui said.
"Reubs had another good night last night, as he did last Friday, so I'm looking forward to those guys playing the next few practice matches and if they do what they do in the last few weeks, they'll definitely be in there round one."
