NEW WEST Coast recruit Lewis Jetta could play across half-back as well as on the wing and up forward as the Eagles seek to utilise his versatility, according to Matt Priddis.
Jetta was traded to West Coast from the Sydney Swans as a straight swap for ruckman Callum Sinclair, after the premiership Swan had expressed a desire to move home to Western Australia following six seasons in Sydney.
The 26-year-old played the majority of his football at the Swans on the wing and at half-forward. He kicked 45 goals in the Swans' 2012 premiership season.
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But Priddis said the Eagles could use Jetta's speed across half-back.
"He has got great skill, great speed and we will be trying to use that wherever we can," Priddis said.
"If he can break the lines and get it forward it is going to be really good for us.
"Our half-backs were a really big part of us improving last year. Sharrod Wellingham, Brad Sheppard and Shannon Hurn, these guys really got our ball movement going. He will be thrown in the mix.
"He will play a little bit of wing and half-forward too. That outside run is something that will really help us going forward. He will be very versatile."
Priddis said the Eagles players were already excited by what they'd seen from Jetta at training.
"He has had glimpses at training where he has shown his skill and his speed and it is exciting for the club," Priddis said.
"I really can't wait to play alongside him. It is one of the areas we can improve in."
Jetta told the club's website on Tuesday that he was settling in well although he was still trying to adjust to the heat of the Perth summer despite being a WA native.
"It's a bit different to the heat of Sydney," Jetta said.
"I thought I might have got used to it doing training when I was back here on my break.
"But once you get up in intensity with all the fit runners and get thrown into the deep end straight away, your lungs are busting straight away at the start.
"But I think I'm getting used to the running and the heat. I'm just happy to be training again, injury-free and ready to go."
Jetta has been involved in all the Eagles' pre-season training so far. Fellow new recruit Jack Redden has been on a reduced program following adductor surgery in August but he is expected to be in full training in January.
