Elijah Hewett’s former coach Michael Broadbridge on why he wouldn’t be out of place in Eagles’ round-one side

Elijah Hewett’s former school coach has endorsed the “ahead of the curve” draftee for early AFL opportunities, saying he wouldn’t look out of place in West Coast’s round one team. Former Guildford Grammar coach Michael Broadbridge, now at PSA rivals Wesley College, felt the powerful midfielder/forward had always been able to punch above his weight, even in his days as a Year 10 playing first XVIII footy. The 18-year-old produced an eye-catching final quarter in the Eagles’ pre-season win over Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park on Friday evening. It’s not the first time he’s starred against players older and bigger, winnings a WAFL colts flag as a bottom-ager for Swan Districts and also featuring in nine senior games in his draft year and showing plenty. “He’s always been ahead of the curve in terms of his footy IQ and his physical development as well,” Broadbridge told The West Australian. “He’s always been very powerful and been able to play against bigger, older players. “Even at Guildford when I was coaching him, he was definitely playing first XVIIIs in Year 10 and playing well. “I had him for two years before he shifted to Scotch and I shifted to Wesley.” Broadbridge believes Hewett has the ability to not only have an impact in the midfield, but in the forward-line as well like he showed with a brilliant stoppage goal against the Power. “He’s very good offensively, Elijah. He can kick a goal, he’s got that turn of speed, goal sense and can also mark the ball pretty well for a player of his size,” he said. “When he goes forward, he does hit the scoreboard quite frequently which is a good trait and kick goals from stoppages because of his natural midfield craft.” More recently, Broadbridge coached West Coast’s top draft pick from last season, Reuben Ginbey, who missed the practice match with a toe issue. Ginbey played for two seasons under Broadbridge at Wesley, winning the school’s best-and-fairest award in Year 11 and captaining the following year. The big-bodied midfielder/half-back is likely to return for Friday’s clash against Adelaide at Lathlain as he pushes his case for an opening-round debut against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on March 18. “He’s a terrific athlete and got all of the AFL attributes in spades,” Broadbridge said. “He’ll be good but he certainly reads the play more defensively, that’s why he was so good for Wesley across half-back.” Prized 2021 draftee Campbell Chesser and first-year small forward Noah Long are among the others in the mix to debut early in the season.