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.
4. Final 23
FB: Tom Cole, Tom Barrass, Liam Duggan.
HB: Elliot Yeo, Jeremy McGovern, Jamaine Jones.
C: Andrew Gaff, Tim Kelly, Elijah Hewett.
HF: Jamie Cripps, Jack Darling, Harley Reid.
FF: Tyler Brockman, Oscar Allen, Liam Ryan.
FO: Matt Flynn, Dom Sheed, Reuben Ginbey.
I/C: Brady Hough, Bailey Williams, Noah Long, Alex Witherden.
SUB: Jayden Hunt.
Also in the mix: Jack Petruccelle, Ryan Maric, Campbell Chesser, Jai Culley, Luke Edwards, and Zane Trew.
