AFTER waiting four years to make his senior debut, West Coast big man Fraser McInnes says he wouldn't have had it any other way.
McInnes was drafted with pick No.28 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, but racked up 62 WAFL games with Perth and East Perth, and seven pre-season matches with West Coast, before finally cracking the big time.
He gathered 15 touches, pulled down eight marks and kicked a goal on debut in the Eagles' 53-point win.
McInnes said it was an amazing experience.
"It was definitely worth the wait," he said.
"It was a journey for me getting there. I took my time to play my first game but I've loved my time at the club so I wouldn't have had it any other way.
"It was a great experience, great to have a win. It was a really proud moment."
McInnes said he did have his doubts whether he would ever get his chance but he always believed he had the ability to play well at AFL level.
"You have a little self-doubt creep in," McInnes said.
"But I've always had that underlying belief in my abilities that I'd be able to perform at the top level.
"That's a start. I've got to build from that."
The 21-year-old said the win over the Lions was vital for the confidence of the group following the heavy defeat to Fremantle in the round three Western Derby.
The next challenge is against Greater Western Sydney at Domain Stadium on Saturday night, coming off a six-day break and the longest road trip in the AFL.
"(The win was) massive for us," McInnes said.
"We can get a bit of momentum rolling into the season.
"GWS have got a good blend of youth at the moment and they've got a few key experienced players.
"They're rolling but we need to get our momentum up as well."
The Eagles gathered at City Beach in Perth on Monday morning for a recovery session. Midfielder Luke Shuey was absent as he stayed at the club for treatment on the ankle he injured during the win over the Lions on Sunday.
Shuey rolled his left ankle during the third term and was subbed out of the match, but Eagles coach Adam Simpson did not believe it was too serious after the match.
If Shuey fails to get up to face the Giants, the Eagles do have midfielder Brant Colledge waiting for an opportunity after a solid month of good form in the WAFL.
Mark Hutchings has also made a successful return to the WAFL after battling groin problems throughout the summer. He gathered 19 touches and kicked a goal for East Perth on Saturday after collecting 23 possessions in a WAFL reserves game the week before.
