Damien Cavka Biography

Damien Cavka has been forced to retire following a degenerative foot injury.

He made an early impression in his first pre-season at West Coast, breaking Chris Masten's 2km time trial record with a phenomenal time of 5 minutes 56 seconds.

But the exciting midfielder never got the chance to display his outstanding running power.

The degenerative condition in Cavka's foot flared shortly after he set that record.

"It's terribly disappointing for Damien, shattering actually, that he won't be able to pursue the dream of playing senior footy," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

"But he's a quality young man, with strong support around him and he will get the direction he needs to focus on the next phase of his life."

West Coast recruit Damien Cavka says being picked at No.66 will serve as an incentive to prove himself at AFL level.

"It's a motivating factor going that late to try and prove others wrong, and really repay the faith the Eagles have shown in giving me the opportunity," Cavka said.

"I will be trying to work as hard as I can to prove myself and become a part of the team."

Cavka says he will be watching senior Eagles plays such as Matthew Priddis and Scott Selwood in his first pre-season.

"I'm watching what they do, and trying to replicate what they do to a tee," he said.

"They are a couple of people that aren't too bad to look up to and follow in their footsteps, which is what I am trying to do."

West Coast select Damien Cavka with pick No.66 in thee 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

"We've got a really elite runner here," Eagles recruiting manager Rohan O'Brien said.

"He's probably suited to a few different roles because of the amount of ground that he covers.

"He runs around a 16-beep [test]. He had a great finals series where he kicked goals and got a lot of the footy.

"Unfortunately he's had a few little niggles here and there but he's already at an elite level with his running so he won't have to improve much in that area."