West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling avoids surgery on injured ankle

“The bruises that we got last year, there are these fleeting thoughts (of worry) that come to mind,” he said.

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“But we have to remain resilient. Injuries will happen. We had our fair share last year so hopefully we’ll do better than what we’ve got.”

Williams, who was selected with the No. 57 pick in the 2021 national draft, was hospitalized as a precautionary measure Tuesday after a collision in practice.

“He got hit in the ribs today,” Simpson said.

“I think he went to the hospital with his lungs as a precaution. It might be a little drained. We didn’t want to take any risks.

“Hopefully it’s not as serious as it sounds. It was more of a precaution.”

The West Coast players group faced a second tragedy in three weeks on Monday when Zane Trew’s mother Daina died of cancer.

It follows the death of Rhett Bazzo’s mother, Kylie, in a boating accident.

“Young men who are grieving like this are a real challenge for them and their families,” Simpson said.