West Coast Eagles ruckman Bailey Williams presses claim for AFL call-up with massive WAFL practice match

West Coast ruckman Bailey Williams has pressed his claims for a senior call-up with a dominant performance in a WAFL practice game against East Fremantle. The 201cm big man, who endured an injury-interrupted off-season as he worked to overcome a groin problem, was among the best of the 14 AFL-listed Eagles to feature in their 17-point win over the Sharks at Mineral Resources Park. Splitting the ruck role with Harry Barnett, Williams proved far too good for one-time Fremantle rookie Eric Benning and Nathan Dowsett over the course of the contest. He also kicked the first goal of the game with a well-executed snap and added another in the final term after reeling in a massive inside-50 mark over multiple opponents. In a see-sawing last quarter, he then missed two opportunities which would have put his side in front, but Next Generation Academy graduate Tylah Williams kicked a classy late goal to give his side a lead they did not surrender. The 25-year-old played 16 AFL games in the 2025 season, mostly in a forward-ruck role providing support to Matt Flynn. Flynn was elevated to West Coast’s leadership group over the summer but was beaten handily by Gold Coast’s Jarrod Witts in round one and faces a crunch clash with North Melbourne’s Tristan Xerri this afternoon. First-round draftee Josh Lindsay — who was surprisingly omitted from the senior side after making his AFL debut against the Suns — did not feature in the game, instead figuring the carryover emergency for the senior side. Dropped defenders Tom Cole and Ryan Maric did feature in the reserves and did some good things, with Cole showing some leadership by giving younger teammates vocal instruction throughout the day. Maric mostly used the ball effectively, with his major highlight coming from a pinpoint inside-50 pass to spot up Williams. Recruit Harry Schoenberg played his first unofficial game for the club after not playing at any level last week due to suspension and spent much of his day on the wing. Finlay Macrae and Clay Hall were consistent members of the on-ball brigade alongside a surprising part-time addition in small forward Matt Owies, who was given a spot in the middle for some throw-ups. Hall had a knee concern assessed in the third term, but was able to return and see out the rest of the game as the Eagles appeared to emerge from the hit-out without any injury concerns for their senior players. Elsewhere around the ground, Malakai Champion backed up a three-goal showing against Subiaco last week with three more — including two in the final term — and Tyrell Dewar gave great drive from half-back.