Former St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey is eyeing a round-one AFL berth with West Coast, and he doesn't want to lose his spot when Nic Naitanui is ready to return.
The Eagles signed Hickey to a three-year deal as a replacement for Scott Lycett, who joined Port Adelaide via free agency.
With Naitanui set to miss at least the first half of 2019 while he recovers from his second ACL injury, Hickey will compete with Nathan Vardy for the No.1 ruck position.
Coach Adam Simpson might play Hickey and Vardy in the same side during the first half of the season.
But when Naitanui returns, he will force out Hickey or Vardy.
Hickey knows he faces a tough task to edge out former Cat Vardy, after his key back-up role in the ruck to help West Coast win the 2018 flag.
"That's the hope - to play round one," Hickey said.
"Vards' last 10 games were really, really good and really solid and he was a super contributor and a big reason they won the flag.
"I see myself primarily as a ruckman who can go forward but, if the opportunity is there, I just want to play wherever I can to get a game.
"I have played 30 of my 80 games as a forward. There is real scope for me to compete with Nathan Vardy for that second ruck forward role as well."
Hickey started his career with Gold Coast before notching 67 games over six seasons with St Kilda.
The 27-year-old, who married his partner Chloe last week, jumped at the chance to join West Coast.
"The opportunity seemed way too good," HIckey said.
"To come to the reigning premiers for three years - it's pretty hard to turn down.
"And St Kilda were trying to get Dan Hannebery through the door and trying to get a few draft picks, so they were pretty happy for me to look elsewhere and test the market.
"As soon as West Coast came knocking, it was a bit of a no brainer."
Hickey impressed in a series of 200m and 400m runs on Monday during West Coast's start to the pre-season.
Australian Associated Press
