Brady Hough: Harvey product says it is ‘surreal’ to play with West Coast Eagles half way through first season

Harvey’s Brady Hough says some days he “still can’t believe” he is now playing for the West Coast Eagles — the club he supported as a kid. The former Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lion played his sixth AFL game for the Eagles at the weekend in their 13.10 (88) to 8.9 (57) loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval. The 19-year-old had 11 disposals, six marks and 177m gained as the Eagles fell to their eighth straight loss of the year to remain in last place. Despite the disappointing start to the year, Hough said the side was staying positive and committed to work. “We’re not happy with where we’re at at the moment, we go into each game thinking that we can win and we plan to win each week,” he said. “The spirit is still there, we’re loving each-other and getting around each-other, hopefully we’ll come out this week and have a good crack.” The defender said it was surreal to be at the club he supported as a boy. “I have loved it since I got here, since day one,” he said. “Obviously it was a dream come true to get drafted, and some days I still can’t believe it.” Hough said it had been a whirlwind since being drafted with pick 31 with the 2021 AFL Draft from Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault. “I came from country football and it was a really quick turnaround for me,” he said. “It is obviously a pretty big step up, I played league football down at home and was exposed to some bigger bodies, but there is a big step up. “I am working on my game and craft, and hopefully I can keep stepping up.” The Harvey product, who moved from the South West Football League to WAFL club Peel Thunder last season, was the only 2021 draftee to make his debut in round one. “It was surreal when it was announced, all the boys got around me and it was awesome, I’ll never forget it,” he said. “Obviously (on the back of) a few injuries, which is unfortunate, but the opportunity came and I loved it.”