A season-ending knee injury to star West Coast forward Mark LeCras has opened the door for former Western Bulldogs goalsneak Josh Hill to resurrect his stalled AFL career.
The Eagles’ worst fears were confirmed on Friday when scans revealed LeCras had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a training mishap the day before.
The 25-year-old will undergo traditional reconstructive surgery next week, leaving the Eagles without one of their most potent goalkickers for the season ahead.
LeCras booted 58 goals in 2009 and 63 goals in his All-Australian year of 2010, when the Eagles finished last on the ladder.
Last season, LeCras spent more time in the midfield but still managed 47 goals, with his form helping the Eagles secure a surprise top-four finish.
Hill, recruited from the Bulldogs at the end of 2011, has kicked 75 goals over 66 games as a mid-sized forward, and said he was ready to fill the gaping hole left by LeCras.
The 23-year-old showed flashes of brilliance during his five seasons at the Bulldogs, but was unable to nail down a permanent spot from year to year.
His best season was in 2009, when he booted 33.22 from 23 games.
“I’ve been training and working on playing that half-forward role. So, if the spot is there and I work hard to get it, then I’ll work hard to keep it,” Hill said.
“I’m still getting used to putting on the Eagles’ colours. Hopefully, I can come out here and show what I can for the team and show the coaches what I can bring.
“(LeCras) is a classy player. He is a tough opponent to play against.
“Training and being alongside him has shown me a few things to work on as well. He can be that role model for me and also the younger players.”
Securing a spot in West Coast’s best 22 won’t be an armchair ride for Hill, who will have to battle fellow smalls Andrew Strijk and Ashton Hams for LeCras’ position.
Hill and Hams will get an early chance to impress coach John Worsfold in Sunday’s NAB Cup games against Fremantle and Essendon at Patersons Stadium.
West Coast veteran Andrew Embley, who will miss the next fortnight with a shoulder injury, said the player group would do everything they could to support LeCras through a tough time.
“I must admit yesterday was a pretty dark day,” Embley told Fox Sports.
“We all feel for him. He’s not just a team-mate, but a really good mate as well.
“It’s just important we get behind him.
“He’s obviously a very important player to us and we’re going to really miss him. But I’m sure he’ll be stronger and better when he comes back.”
