Recently appointed stoppage coach Nathan van Berlo is excited at the prospect of a new-look West Coast midfield evolving under his watch.

The former Adelaide captain has joined the Eagles after 13 years in South Australia and says he is enthused about working with the on-ball division despite consistent criticism of it in recent seasons.

The retirements of Brownlow medallists Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell has left a big hole at the Eagles, one that will be offset by the return of star ruckman Nic Naitanui from a knee reconstruction.

Van Berlo has taken the role as stoppage and midfield coach after a year as a development mentor at the Crows and will work closely with new midfield coach Mitchell.

“To be working with someone like Sam, who has been a true great of the game, was another great opportunity,” van Berlo said.

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“West Coast have got some out-and-out stars through the midfield and some great young talent coming through and I’m really looking forward to seeing how we can develop them and see where we can take them in the next 12 months and beyond.

“When two great inside midfielders move on, it presents a fantastic opportunity for young guys to put their hand up.

“There has been a significant change in the profile of the whole group, but in particular the midfield.

Camera Icon Daniel Venables is expected to get a midfield debut next season. Credit: Getty Images

“That’s going to mean opportunity for young guys who are going to have speed, agility — they are going to have different aspects that we haven’t had in abundance in the midfield the last couple of years.

“I’m really looking forward to what that dynamic looks like.

“I think it’ll be pretty exciting for our fans.”

Van Berlo said it was nice to be back home with family in WA after so many years away.

“I was lucky enough to get a phone call from West Coast at the end of this season to discuss the prospect of moving back here and a potential coaching role,” he said.

“It’s definitely a step up for my coaching development and personal development. It’s an environment I’ve always admired from afar, it was too good an opportunity to refuse.

“We are really young and invigorated and there are some fresh ideas. You can feel it out there already.”

The 31-year-old has already been impressed by 2016 top draft pick Daniel Venables.

“He’s what you want as an inside midfielder,” van Berlo said. “He has certainly got the attributes to play AFL football.”

Van Berlo ran laps with Mark LeCras at training this week.

The pair played junior football together and have been reunited after they were both drafted from West Perth in 2004.