Tom Mitchell criticises Eagles players over pre-season body language
The former AFL player questioned West Coast's response to a running session, while recruit Jack Viney joined training two weeks before he was required.
Tom Mitchell has criticised West Coast players pictured lying down or on their hands and knees after pre-season running drills, arguing their reactions showed a lack of leadership.
The Eagles began training with players in their first four years at the club and several senior teammates. Recruit Jack Viney was among those taking part, arriving two weeks before he was required.
In an Instagram video, Mitchell acknowledged the demands of AFL pre-season but said the players’ body language suggested mental weakness. He argued that their response sent opposition teams a message about how they would handle difficulty.
Mitchell, who played for Sydney, Hawthorn and Collingwood, said the best sides he had been part of had rules against displaying weakness. Players might briefly drop to their hands and knees, he said, but were expected to stand again immediately.
Viney described feeling both nervous and excited about joining his new teammates. He said starting early gave him an opportunity to train and develop relationships rather than remain at home in Melbourne.
