West Coast midfielder Zane Trew says he ‘wouldn’t change’ two-year journey to AFL debut despite injury woes

West Coast midfielder Zane Trew says he’s grateful for his two-year, injury-plagued journey to an AFL debut. The 20-year-old said it was a dream come true to run out onto the MCG on Sunday as the Eagles faced Richmond, almost two years after being picked up by the club in the 2020 rookie draft. “To run out with all the boys through the banner and embrace the whole stadium and the atmosphere was pretty cool and something I won’t forget,” Trew said. “It was (everything I dreamed of).” Trew said it took resilience over the past 24 months to get an opportunity at the top level, revealing some of the obstacles he’d faced since arriving at the club. “(Stress-related injuries) in my back, shin splints and a couple of soft tissue injuries here and there. It’s been tough,” he said. “I wouldn’t change it for the world. All the hard times make you tougher in the long run so I’m grateful and I’m happy I’m here now.” Trew said West Coast skipper Luke Shuey provided guidance and support, having been through similar injury struggles himself over the past couple of seasons. “The skipper has been pretty good for me,” Trew said. “I’ve spent a lot of time with him but all the leaders have been good, all the boys have been good for me. (It’s a) pretty supportive and tight-knit group. “He’s just put his arms around me and made me feel really welcome and he’s always been there for me. “Obviously, I’ve had a pretty tough two years so to have him there and be by my side has been good.” After a slow start to his first game, the midfielder found his feet in the third term, kicking a goal as he piled on nine of his 13 disposals in the premiership quarter. “The first half I was trying to find my way a bit,” Trew said. “I think I got going in the third and showed what I can do at AFL level. “I felt comfortable out there and I think it gave me the confidence in the future to prove that I can perform.”