West Coast started the season like a top four contender, but drastically dropped to being close to a bottom eight finish before sneaking into September by the skin of their teeth.

They rattled a few feathers with their epic extra time elimination final win over Port Adelaide in what was the game of the season before being bounced out by the Giants in week two of the finals.

It was an up and down season for Adam Simpson's side which makes 2017 (and 2018) that much harder to gauge.

Best win: 

On the road in enemy territory, the Eagles scored a dramatic extra time over the Power thanks to Luke Shuey's goal after the siren. Eric Mackenzie's desperate goal line save must not be forgotten as that play ensured the scores would remain even with just over 40 seconds remaining.

Shout out to the Eagles' win over Adelaide in round 23 as a close second in this category.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Luke Shuey of the Eagles celebrate the winning goal during the AFL First Elimination Final match between Port Adelaide Power and West Coast Eagles at Adelaide Oval on September 9, 2017 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Worst loss: 

West Coast's record in Melbourne is often a talking point in footballing circles and in round 18, it appeared as though they were about to temporarily put that to bed with strong win over the Pies. Until they didn't.

Collingwood was undermanned and down heavily on the scoreboard but managed to find enough in them to kick the last four goals in the final eight minutes to run over the Eagles at Etihad.

Most improved: Elliot Yeo

Yeo showed glimpses of his best last season but managed to string together a consistent 2017 season, missing just one game on his way to averaging 23 touches, seven marks and three tackles per game.

Yeo's season was celebrated when he earned All-Australian honours for the first time and will command a big new deal next season when he comes out of contract.

Best and fairest: Jeremy McGovern

McGovern enjoyed a career best season in 2017, playing all 24 of West Coast's games while averaging just under 17 disposals and eight marks per game.

He ranked 1st in the league for total contested marks and 2nd for total intercepts while ranking 11th for total one percenters as he earned himself his second All-Australia selection in as many seasons.

Time after time, McGovern would stand in the way of an oppositions move forward and looks set to do so repeatedly for many years for the Eagles.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jeremy McGovern of the Eagles gathers the ball during the Second Elimination Final match between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium on September 8, 2016 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

What the off-season could look like: 

West Coast's off-season will be one of change following the departures of veterans Sam Butler, Sam Mitchell, Matt Priddis and Drew Petrie and Jonathan Giles.

The Eagles did well to reach the semi finals this season however in a reasonably weak draft, it could've hurt their chances in the upcoming trade period.

Rumours of potentially targeting Collingwood's Alex Fasolo have also surfaced this week.

Potential contract extensions to both McGovern and Yeo would be a good start at locking down key pieces for their tilt at a premiership.

2018 crystal ball: 

As Nic Naitanui returns, there still remains plenty of promise for the Eagles.

More consistency out of the likes of Jack Darling, Dom Sheed and Lewis Jetta are needed if they're to remain in the hunt for a finals birth.

In saying that, it appears as though a mini-rebuild is required with another finals appearance more of a hope for the Eagles. Adam Simpson still has two years to run on his current deal as head coach in an interesting period for both him and the club.