Injury-free LeCras is firing
Mark LeCras is reluctant to speak about being injury free on the eve of the season.
But the 2010 All-Australian is just that a month out from West Coast's 2014 season opener against the Western Bulldogs.
LeCras was one of a raft of positives to come out of the Eagles' 84-point NAB Challenge win over Fremantle on Tuesday, roaming dangerously across half-forward to have five shots at goal from 20 possessions.
He is one of several West Coast players, including Luke Shuey, Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa, who could be like new recruits if they can stay fit this season.
LeCras said he had been relieved to just get out and play.
"It felt pretty good out there," he said.
"The scoreline is not something we take too much notice of this time of the year.
"But if we can bring that pressure most weeks - and our skills felt pretty clean out there - I think we are going to be taking a step forward this year.
"But we can't read too much into this game. It's NAB one, our aim is to bring that sort of pressure during the season and see where it takes us."
After missing all of 2012 because of a knee reconstruction and enduring an injury-hit 2013, LeCras has reason to be cautious about his fitness.
The 27-year-old looked set for a big year last season before he broke his right arm in round one.
LeCras still managed 15 games and booted 30 goals before fractured ribs and a foot problem ended his season prematurely, but he wasn't able to produce his brilliant best regularly.
He played without the arm guard he wore in 2013 in Tuesday's win.
"It's good to get it (the arm guard) off," he said.
"It was a bit annoying last year and I will hopefully play without it this year.
"I don't want to jinx it because every time I say I am injury free something happens, but I have been able to get through most of the pre-season so I am aiming to take that into the year and hopefully get through most of the year injury free."
Coach Adam Simpson wants more flexibility from his players and LeCras hoped that meant more midfield time for him.
"I will take it game by game and just see," he said.
"I am happy to change my role up as to how the team needs it."
LeCras said Jack Darling spending time in the centre square was a positive and would not reduce the potency of the forward line.
"It's good to have him on the ball," he said.
"His pressure around the footy and he's a big body, so it definitely helps us win the ball out of the centre.
"It gives the opportunity to blokes like Scott Selwood and Luke Shuey to be able to come forward for a bit of a stint up there as well.
"The more we can mix it up, I think it's going to be good for us because it will make it harder for the opposition."
LeCras said he had been working hard on his goal kicking after struggling last season.
He kicked 2.2 and one out of bounds on Tuesday.
"Hopefully I can get a bit of confidence up going into the season and kick those ones I was missing last year," he said.
