After registering one of their most porous campaigns in club history in 2023, the Eagles hope their latest injection of youthful talent pays dividends next season and beyond.
Possessing the first overall draft choice this year certainly helped West Coast's future cause; selecting prodigious Victorian midfielder Harley Reid to supplement a young contingent of burgeoning Eagles.
In terms of their manoeuvres during the player movement period, the Eagles re-introduced livewire forward Tyler Brockman to his home state, as well as attained ruckman Matt Flynn from the GWS Giants via free agency.
In addition to Reid, West Coast added his namesake Archer Reid (No.30 National Draft pick), local talent Clay Hall (No.38), Harvey Johnston (No.49), Coen Livingstone (Category B rookie), and Loch Rawlinson (Rookie Draft) through this year's drafts.
On the other side of the ledger, West Coast farewelled stalwart champions Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn, as well as fan-favourite ruckman Nic Naitanui, at the conclusion of the season; ushering in a new era at Lathlain.
We assessed West Coast's list and produced our projected best 23 for the Eagles as they prepare to embark on another rebuilding campaign.
ADELAIDE CROWS, BRISBANE LIONS, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG CATS, GOLD COAST SUNS, GWS GIANTS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND, ST KILDA, SYDNEY SWANS.
1. Defenders
Standout stopper Tom Barrass and seasoned All-Australian Jeremy McGovern will continue to headline Adam Simpson's defence from key positions, while hard-headed duo Liam Duggan and Elliott Yeo – provided he can remain healthy for the majority of the year – project to play important roles exiting the half-backline.
Occupying a defensive half that was relentlessly peppered by opposition attacks, Jamaine Jones provided the 2023 Eagles with desperately needed run and carry exiting defensive 50 and kickstarting offensive movements. His 2.6 rebound-50s per game this year ranked as the best figure of his six-year career.
Youngster Brady Hough and seasoned pair Tom Cole and Alex Witherden also figure into West Coast's half-back calculations heading into next year, while former speed Demon Jayden Hunt also possesses the capability to counter-attack from half-back.
