West Coast Eagles training notes: Liam Ryan on track, intensity lifts, stars return for match simulation

West Coast star Liam Ryan trained with teammates on Friday morning as a video emerged of the premiership forward in an altercation earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Eagles lifted their intensity as stars featured in a match simulation at Mineral Resources Park. Here’s what we saw. ON TRACK Just hours after a video emerged of his involvement in a fight earlier this week, Ryan hit the track with teammates on Friday morning. Usually one of the most vocal and upbeat players at training, Ryan appeared flat throughout the morning and spent the latter part of the session walking laps. The 28-year-old appeared physically unencumbered as he took part in match simulation where he showcased his trademark speed and aerial leap. The Eagles confirmed Ryan had been involved in an altercation after a music festival in Fremantle on Wednesday night. INTENSITY UP As the rain fell in Lathlain, the intensity lifted as new West Coast coach Andrew McQualter put his players through their paces in a scrimmage. And it wasn’t just the stars who stepped up, with seven-gamer Tyrell Dewar mowing down Harley Reid as the former No.1 pick attempted to get past him after bursting out of congestion. The sound of heavy bumps and hard landings filled the closed session, with recruit Jack Graham dishing out his fair share of hip and shoulders. Reuben Ginbey would have felt the wind leave his lungs after hitting the turf hard in a marking contest, but the big-bodied utility bounced straight back up. With round one on the horizon, it was a positive sign to see a handful of Eagles who missed most or all of last season taking part. Young guns Elijah Hewett and Noah Long joined co-captain Oscar Allen and important ruck Matt Flynn in the thick of the action. Elliot Yeo (eye) also returned to the track but was among the small group held back from taking part in the scrimmage. THE NEW NORM Former captain turned assistant coach Luke Shuey might be the most recent ‘Norm’ at West Coast. But another Norm Smith Medallist popped in for a visit to his former club on Friday. Andrew Embley, named best-on-ground medal in West Coast’s 2006 flag, was a surprise sighting as he watched training from the sidelines with his two sons. The 250-gamer was seen chatting with his Eagles premiership coach and newly-appointed Head of Football John Worsfold.