As winless West Coast navigate their challenging rebuild, fans are braced for what appears to be another arduous season.

However, amid this turbulence, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of young defender Brady Hough. The defender’s burgeoning talent is not only evident on the field but has sparked conversations about his potential to one day captain the Eagles.

For those familiar with his journey, it is clear just how deeply this club resonates with him. Over the past few seasons, Hough, 22, has consistently risen to the occasion during trying times, demonstrating remarkable resilience and fortitude in a career that has so far reaped just eight wins from 59 matches.

In the world of team sport, when adversity strikes, it can be daunting for an individual player. The feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming, especially when you are exerting every effort, yet results aren’t forthcoming.

Hough’s struggle recently culminated in an emotional interview where, overwhelmed by the weight of expectations and disappointments, he visibly broke down.

Yet, despite these challenges, he can hold his head high. It is evident that he has poured his heart and soul into striving for a win that is yet to come this season, despite West Coast’s competitive effort against Essendon on Friday night.

Reflecting on my own career, the closest I probably came to raw emotion in a situation like that was actually a moment of triumph.

Being named man of the series in the 2013/14 Ashes was a moment that almost brought me to tears. I vividly remembered the internal tumult of years spent in frustration, yearning for victory amidst the jeers of English fans. Finally, it felt like long-awaited relief.

When it was announced I was player of the series, there were the natural emotions that came with that as an individual. But the moment was magnified by what it meant for us as a team and what we had gone through in that series and what many of us had gone through in the hard times of series losses previous to that.

The success was shared with my teammates and if they didn’t perform in their roles then I wouldn’t have had the same success that summer.

When being interviewed, it can be emotional because it’s about the journey you have together with your teammates, family and fans. You take it all on and know it’s not just about you as an individual.

Kim Hughes famously cried when he resigned as Australia’s captain and there has been many teary and emotional press conferences when players have retired.

Inside the Aussie dressing room, I can remember plenty of real emotion but that sort of stuff is to be kept inside the team.

As athletes, we invest everything - both as individuals and teammates - into our pursuits. Hough’s emotional breakdown revealed a player who yearns for victory, not just for himself but for his teammates and the fans who support him unconditionally.

The solidarity he enjoys from fans underscores the daily effort he exerts, showcasing an admirable determination that serves as an inspiration to young fans watching his journey.

Reflecting further on my experiences in cricket, particularly during one-day internationals, there are times when the game seems lost on paper, yet a belief persists in the possibility of triumph. Those moments, characterised by a refusal to concede defeat, embody the tenacity that defines competitive sport.

The elation of being part of a victorious team and reveling in the celebratory strains of the team song is a feeling that lingers forever. However, when a team is persistently struggling, finding a way out can feel insurmountable.

As players find themselves in winnable positions yet appear to forget how to secure that victory, Hough’s attitude becomes invaluable. He is committed to leading by example, rallying his teammates, and preparing them for those critical moments that could define their season.

Above all, his emotional honesty during that interview serves as a poignant reminder that he is, first and foremost, human. Athletes, umpires, and others involved in sport experience a range of emotions. I commend him for bravely expressing the passion and struggle that accompany a challenging journey in football.

It is vital that we do not expect athletes to be emotionless machines. I have long advocated for individuals to embrace their authentic selves and share their personalities openly.

While the immediate future remains uncertain for West Coast, with the potential for either resurgence or continued hardship, all the players can do is commit to giving their utmost effort. Sometimes it only takes a single game to ignite momentum; other times, a rough season could still lie ahead.

As long as the players demonstrate their resolve and dedication on the field, the fans will stand by them.

Naturally, criticism is inevitable, and dismissing negativity can prove difficult. It’s essential to keep in mind that the Eagles are fiercely striving to win and no player steps onto that field wishing to lose.

Though their confidence may be at a low ebb, a turnaround can happen swiftly, even during a challenging season.