West Coast Eagles recruit Tyler Brockman charged by police over Geraldton crash

West Coast have been rocked by the news that young recruit Tyler Brockman has been charged by police over a Geraldton crash which left a lamp post crumpled — and which he is alleged to have left without reporting. For two weeks, WA Police traffic officers have been investigating the incident in Wandina on May 4, which involved a ute, the light pole and an alleged departure on foot. Shortly after the alleged crash, the Eagles confirmed it was Mr Brockman who had been driving, and had been involved was “in a single-vehicle traffic incident”. They said he had been attending a funeral for a relative the afternoon prior. On Sunday afternoon, WA Police provided an update on their investigation. “Officers from Road Policing Division have charged a 21-year-old man in relation to a traffic incident that occurred on Saturday, 4 May 2024 in Wandina,” the statement said. “About 12.50am, a Ford Ranger ute collided with a light post while attempting to negotiate a roundabout at the intersection of Verita Road, Ackland Road and Abraham Street. “As a result of the crash, the light post crumpled at the base and fell across the roadway. “It will be alleged, the accused — who was driving the ute at the time of the incident — fled the area on foot. “It will be further alleged the accused returned to the crash site a short time later to remove the vehicle prior to police arrival. Neither the crash (nor) the damage to property was reported to police.” A 21-year-old — who The West Australian has confirmed is Mr Brockman — has been charged with careless driving, failing to report an incident in which property was damaged and failing to stop afterwards. He is scheduled to appear before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on July 5. In an earlier statement, the Eagles said the club would “prioritise his health and wellbeing ahead of any return to playing football.” “The club has informed the AFL regarding this incident, and we await the outcome of the police investigation before making any further comment. The club requests Tyler’s privacy is respected at this time.” The young forward returned to his native state during last season’s trade period after spending three years at Hawthorn. Coach Adam Simpson said the incident involving Brockman was “a delicate situation”. “We’re dealing with a couple of things here, one is a police investigation which we can’t comment and the second piece is Brocky as a footballer,” he said. “It probably means he disengages from playing for a couple of weeks but we’ve got to get him right on and off the field as best he can. “What he needs to do to get back in the senior side is probably more than just getting into form on the field. We really need to help him and get the best resources around him to get the best out of himself.” The club have since stated, “The West Coast Eagles are aware Tyler Brockman has been charged by WA Police regarding a traffic incident on May 4. The club will continue to work with Tyler around these charges and provide a further update in due course.”