There has been plenty of false dawns and disappointment for West Coast since the pandemic.
But the days of the Eagles being easy prey appear to be over – particularly at home.
After two 100-point losses in the first seven rounds of the season, the Eagles have not been beaten by more than 32 points in their last seven games and have some winnable contests on the run home.
They are starting to play an identifiable brand and there is light at the end of the tunnel with the litany of top draft picks showing they can carry the club forward.
It will help in their pursuit of players from other clubs in the trade and free agency window in October, with several Western Australians viewed as gettable able to give them a quick spike.
Take a look at five of the top names the Eagles have been tied to.
Chad Warner
Warner was firmly in the sights of both Western Australian clubs to return home from Sydney last year before making a decision to recommit to the Swans for a further two years.
He admitted at the time the decision was lineball and West Coast should again be knocking to give them more star power in the midfield.
Granted, keeping Harley Reid long term is a separate issue, but the potential for a Reid, Willem Duursma and Chad Warner midfield sounds dangerous – and giving Reid a running mate may lure him to stay.
In the Eagles' favour now compared to last year though, is that success seems nearer given the more competitive showings and individual success of many of the young players.
Equally, though, he is a key part of a midfield which could win a premiership this year and will likely remain in contention for the short term, so giving that up would be a huge call.
Many contract decisions come after years of building a relationship and the Eagles have been thereabouts for some time.
