West Coast Eagles utility Brady Hough doesn’t shrink back from emotional response to dire on-field performances | USAEMALL.com

Brady Hough did not shy away from his emotional response to West Coast’s dire on-field performances, as he spoke for the first time since he was left in tears after the “tough loss” to Carlton.

Hough abruptly ended an exclusive interview with The West Australian following the 71-point defeat at Adelaide Oval in Gather Round, as he discussed the toll of heavy defeats to start his career.

The 22-year-old, who has lost 52 of his 60 games for the club he supported as a boy, said he wasn’t phased by the public nature of his reaction.

“I didn’t mind it getting out. It was a tough loss and got me at the wrong time, I think,” Hough said.

“But everyone who saw it and that are close to me were pretty proud. It didn’t really bother me getting out to the media. It was a tough loss and the review after the game was pretty serious.

“I think a few of the boys were already down in the dumps a little bit, and then that got to me a little bit but I’m really optimistic now. I love being a part of the group and really excited for the future.”

Hough already had an emotional connection when he arrived at the club, having grown up a West Coast supporter, but being involved as a player made not winning games much more painful.

“I just feel a part of it now, like it’s different,” he said.

“I grew up supporting the club and all the family supports the club and it’s always been a big part of my life but it’s just great to be here now, and I’m hopefully now someone that can help bring us out of this drought.”

Hough, who played as a defender in his first three seasons, revealed he was the one to approach new coach Andrew McQualter about a move into the midfield.

He played his first full game there against Hawthorn on Sunday, gathering 23 possessions and six tackles.