Sinclair Eagles future bright
Callum Sinclair says his extended run outside of West Coast's line-up has been frustrating, but he is excited about the chance of more AFL opportunities next year.
The 24-year-old was upgraded off the club's rookie list and selected for the season's first three matches as the Eagles tried fielding three ruckmen.
Since then, games have been hard to come by for the versatile 200cm tall, who has earned just one more AFL appearance despite starring for WAFL affiliate East Perth.
Sinclair has dominated at WAFL level, averaging 20 touches, 22 hit-outs and almost two goals a game. Against West Perth at Medibank Stadium on Saturday in torrid conditions he accumulated 23 possessions and 35 hit-outs and kicked the goal of the match on the run from 50m.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson and assistant Brady Rawlings were there watching.
Sinclair said he was excited at the prospect of earning more opportunities in 2015 following Dean Cox's retirement.
"It's been a little bit frustrating … it probably comes down to a little bit of opportunity and probably capitalising on those opportunities," he said.
"There's various scenarios where you can improve and get better in every game you play.
"You're on an AFL list to play AFL footy. You've got to take the opportunity with both hands when it comes your way.
"Dean's had a great career and I've learnt so much from him in my last two years at the club.
"I'm hoping to carry that knowledge with me further in the years to come and hopefully stay involved with Dean as well because he's been a massive help."
Sinclair re-signed last week with the Eagles until the end of 2016.
The announcement came just 72 hours after West Coast games record holder Cox confirmed 2014 would be his final season.
But Sinclair said his personal contract status had never hinged on whether Cox, Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett were all going to be at the club next year.
"It's pretty simple," he said.
"I've just enjoyed my time at West Coast. They were the club that gave me a crack, so I'm keen to keep going.
"The new coaching staff have got the playing group going in a really good direction. Performances at the moment at AFL level might not reflect that, but within the club we're pretty positive about where we're going."
Sinclair will be considered alongside Lycett for a recall to face the eighth-placed Crows at Adelaide Oval this Saturday, particularly given Cox (concussion) is expected to be rested.
Results in recent weeks with both Collingwood and Gold Coast stumbling badly have meant West Coast are still technically in the finals race if they upset Adelaide.
Sinclair said he wanted to maintain his run of strong performances this year, even if that went only as far as playing in a WAFL finals series with league leaders East Perth.
·Adelaide wingman David Mackay, 26, has snubbed free agency overtures and signed a four-year deal to stay with the Crows until the end of 2018.
