HELPING HAND: West Coast forward Josh Hill visits two-year old Rhain Pullan and his mum Terri at Princess Margaret Hospital. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow
WEST Coast forward Josh Hill is bracing for an early-season selection battle, with several key goalkickers set to return from injury next year.
The Eagles forward line was dealt a damaging blow last pre-season, when it lost 2010 club champion Mark LeCras and renaissance man Mark Nicoski to season-ending injuries.
The curse continued to eat at the forwards and, at one stage, the Eagles had their best six sidelined through either injury or suspension.
The silver lining for Hill was increased opportunity, which he grasped. The former Western Bulldog played 22 games and kicked 36 goals, which was second at the club behind Jack Darling's 53.
Both LeCras and Nicoski are expected to rejoin the main training group next Friday, having completed their remote programs.
Hill said the returns meant the battle for forward places would be fierce at West Coast.
"I think it's going to motivate the boys that one step better," Hill said.
"There's a lot of goalkickers back and Joshy Kennedy looks like he's training well and will be up for Round 1.
"Now, we've got LeCras and Nicoski back in the pre-season.
"Having (LeCras) back is definitely going to make a lot of the boys train harder and hopefully keep him out of the spot.
"I know it's a tough gig, but everyone wants a spot and we're all going to fight for it.
"I saw that opportunity and I was lucky enough to be given that opportunity and I made the most of it.
"That's the hard part; keeping that position, so it's going to be a tough pre-season for all the boys.
Hill addressed the media at West Coast's annual Christmas visit to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, where - along with Matt Rosa, Mark Nicoski, Ashton Hams and Sharrod Wellingham - he entertained the myriad of children.
The 23-year-old, who this year completed his first season with West Coast, said it was a cause he was happy to be a part of since returning home from a five-year stint with the Bulldogs.
"We've got the PMH annual Christmas holiday, where a few of the boys come down and spend some time with the kids," he said.
"I really enjoy seeing the kids and it's definitely good to give back.
"The move home's been good for me, coming home to the family support and the friends off-field has been great.
"It was a bit tough for me moving to Melbourne, not knowing anyone there.
"It's definitely been a boost, just being comfortable being back home and being able to enjoy my footy."
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