Trent Rivers grew up as a “massive Eagles fan” who “bled the colours” and idolised Mark LeCras.
So it’s no surprise he shed tears of joy upon learning his trade from Melbourne to West Coast had been finalised, just minutes before Wednesday’s deadline.
Rivers joined Jack Viney in switching from the Demons to the WA club in a move that adds considerable premiership experience to the young Eagles list.
The duo join Liam Baker, Jack Graham and Brandon Starcevich as players on West Coast’s list to have won a flag at rival clubs. That quintet now outnumbers the active Eagles who won the club’s 2018 premiership, with just Elliot Yeo, Liam Duggan and Tom Cole remaining from that group.
As he and partner Paris prepare to welcome a child next month, East Fremantle product Rivers said he was elated to return to his home state to play as he looks to help bring another flag to his favourite boyhood club.
“We’re both so excited for it, so to get (the trade) all ticked off and everything falling into place is exactly what we asked for,” Rivers said.
“I’m ecstatic to be honest. I was sitting there watching the countdown with my partner and finally got the call that the trade went through.
“There were a few tears shed, but all happy, and I can’t wait to get across and get started.”
Aside from his love of the Eagles growing up, which included attending the 2018 grand final, Rivers has no shortage of connections to the WA club and its Optus Stadium home.
He won his 2021 premiership at the Burswood venue, and played there again earlier this year for WA alongside West Coast’s Liam Baker and Jake Waterman.
Rivers also thrived in 2024 with his connection with Andrew McQualter when the now Eagles boss was Melbourne’s midfield coach.
“I’m not too sure where I’m going to be playing but I feel like under ‘Mini’ when he was our midfield coach at Melbourne I was able to play my best footy of my career,” Rivers said.
“That was a real driving factor to get over to Perth... to play under ‘Mini’ as well.
“If there’s a role in the midfield at half-back, on the wing, whatever it might be I’m just happy to put my foot forward and I know it’s going to be tight for spots.
“I’m excited and time will tell where I’m going to be playing my footy.”
Rivers described Viney as an “unbelievable leader” who would help bolster the Eagles.