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.
2. Midfielders
Following the high-profile imposition of Reid, an overshadowed element of the Eagles' 2024 midfield operation is the prospective second-year emergence of Reuben Ginbey, who managed a top-20-ranking tackling average of 5.9 hugs per game.
Throughout his maiden professional campaign, Ginbey typically played a negating role on the opposition's marquee midfielder, but the East Perth product is more than capable of winning his own Sherrin and could be unleashed by Simpson in 2024.
Alongside the East Perth onballer in West Coast's engine room are the likes of 2023 club best and fairest winner Tim Kelly, and 2018 flag hero Dom Sheed.
Additionally, Elijah Hewett, Campbell Chesser, and Jai Culley are three names who are likely to feature prominently through the middle for the Eagles, if not this year, then the seasons following.
Flynn's arrival from Western Sydney provides a challenge for fellow ruckman Bailey Williams, who impressed in spurts against difficult tall-timber opposition.
