The Eagles have just endured one of their worst ever seasons, something the historically successful club will be desperate to correct. The club finds itself at a crossroads though, having competed in finals for years, their descent was as quick as it was surprising.
There's no doubting COVID and injuries absolutely destroyed their start to the season and from there it was impossible to recover. However, there are some worrying signs at West Coast, particularly with some star players.
Legendary forward Josh Kennedy has called time, while the end is surely not far away for Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey and Jeremy McGovern. These names will be almost impossible to replace quickly, but it's the task the Eagles face.
The Eagles will likely look to add depth in the key position areas, while a small forward or outside midfielder wouldn't go astray either.
With that in mind, let's take a look at five possible targets for West Coast this off-season.
Perhaps the most obvious is the biggest fish available in this year's trade period. Western Australian Luke Jackson has requested a trade back to Perth and is, reportedly, happy to go to either club.
Having just lost legend Josh Kennedy, the Eagles are already down a big man forward of centre. Add to that the load that Nic Naitanui has carried over his career and the lack of a quality backup for him, and a play for Jackson makes sense on a lot of levels.
Jackson is still very young but brings premiership experience. Perhaps the most important aspect of any trade for the big man is that he will still be in his prime when the Eagles are challenging for finals again.
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With the club likely to lose Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn in the coming seasons, salary cap room should not be an issue. The real issue will come with Melbourne's asking price.
The Eagles need to reload on young, top-end talent, so giving away two first-round picks is unlikely to appeal to them, any deal for Jackson will likely depend on other moving parts.
This could be an interesting one to watch. With Junior Rioli having signalled his desire to be traded to Port Adelaide to be closer to family, the Eagles are going to want something significant in return.
Despite being from Western Australia, Georgiades reportedly has no interest in leaving the Power. That won't stop the Eagles from asking for him though. Kennedy's departure will increase the pressure on Jack Darling and youngster Oscar Allen, a foil could be exactly what they need.
With Georgiades' ability to mark on the lead and average of just over a goal a game in 2022, he would be a welcome addition to a forward line under pressure to perform in 2023.
All of that said, a deal will be very difficult to complete, as both clubs are reluctant to lose a player they value highly.
The loss of Junior Rioli will be keenly felt by the Eagles, who are also going to have to deal with a Josh Kennedy-sized hole in their forward line.
The out-of-contract Hill has been keen to leave GWS for 12 months and although he appears Collingwood-bound, the Eagles could do worse than make a late play for the WA-native.
A crafty mid-forward, Hill has pace to burn, an abundance of skill and smart goal-sense. It wouldn't be a like-for-like replacement but it could help rejuvenate both the Eagles' forward line and their outside run in midfield.
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Having averaged under two Inside 50's and just under a goal per game in 2022, a move for Hill could also ease the pressure on the under-fire Tim Kelly, who the Eagles are desperate to see rediscover his best form.
With McGovern nearing the end of his playing days and battling multiple injuries, a play for a tall defender makes sense. While it wouldn't be easy to convince a player who (at time of writing) is playing in a preliminary final to leave for a club near the bottom, stranger things have happened.
Should Gardiner go on to win a flag with the Lions this season, the 26-year-old could be tempted by big money offers elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent. At 194cm, he has been a consistent presence for the Lions during his 153-game career to date.
During his 2022 seasons so far, Gardiner has averaged 4.5 marks a game and 2.4 rebound 50's. While that wouldn't quite replace the likes of McGovern, a steady hand down back with Tom Barass would provide a great foundation for the rebuilding Eagles.
He could be a perfect mentor for young Eagles Harry Edwards and Rhett Bazzo until they can cement themselves at AFL level.
Highmore broke into the Saints lineup in 2021, however, he was mostly held out of the side this season by Josh Battle's emergence as an intercept defender. Having proven he is more than capable at AFL level, Highmore spent this season dominating the VFL.
However, it wasn't enough to convince the Saints to play him. Being out of contract, out of the 22, yet capable of playing consistently at the highest level, he could prove a bargain pick up for the Eagles, who will be looking to replace both McGovern and Shannon Hurn in the long-term.
In 2022 he managed three games for the Saints, where he took 5.7 marks and 2 Rebound 50's per game. While those numbers are not elite, his VFL numbers were. He averaged over 8 marks, 22 disposals and 3 tackles per game.
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Most importantly, he would likely come cheap, as the Saints aren't able to offer him the intercept role he plays so well. He would certainly be worth a look and with his flexibility to play small or as a disruptor of opposition attacks, may be just what the Eagles need.