There's no doubt that 2023 was the toughest year in West Coast's uber-successful history, and perhaps one of the more arduous for any club over the past 30 years, but the future is starting to look brighter.
A new draft star, a handful of key list moves and further development into their young core is sure to have stirred some optimism both inside and outside of Mineral Resources Park heading into the new year.
And after suffering 14 defeats by 40 or more points in 2022, the only way is up for the Eagles.
2024 expectations
Whether it be in the wins column, or just giving some fans something to smile about, expectations at Lathlain Park won't be all that high in 2024.
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After managing just three wins last year, the Eagles will want to try and double that count while getting good minutes into their swarm of young stars to best prepare for the future. Avoiding the wooden spoon and proving the path they're on will lead them back to September will be key.
Star Player: Oscar Allen
After spending the entire 2022 season on the sidelines, Allen returned to the fold last year, doing so as one of the most promising key forwards in the competition. The 23-year-old booted over 50 goals for the season to be one of the very few highlights for the Eagles, with his contested marking and sharp shooting softening some of the weekly blows.
With another full pre-season under his belt, Allen could be in line to challenge for his first Coleman Medal, but if the newly-minted co-captain is to get there, it will require some much-needed help from his teammates.
