Draft pair are ready for debuts, says coach

West Coast shouldn’t be afraid to pick Tom Lamb and Jackson Nelson for the round-one clash with the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, with their former coach Mark Ellis declaring the teenagers ready to go.

Lamb and Nelson, both selected in last year’s national draft, are in contention to tackle the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium after playing in all three of the club’s NAB Challenge fixtures this pre-season.

Ellis, who oversaw their development in the Vic Country under-18 system, said the Eagles wouldn’t be disappointed if they picked the young pair.

Lamb, 18, has been eye-catching this pre-season, playing a valuable forward role in the absence of Jack Darling, who still faces about four weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury.

“I wouldn’t hesitate in picking him,” Ellis said.

“He’s just the sort of kid that could come in and do really well.

“He’s got some really special talents that certainly will develop over the coming years but I wouldn’t have any concern about playing him first-up.”

Ellis said Nelson, who has been playing in defence, was less flashy than Lamb but had proved a reliable young leader.

“They’re totally different characters,” Ellis said.

“He’ll just come in and play his role, do what’s asked of him,” Ellis said.

“He’s a very task-oriented player. It would be great if they both get a go.”