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.
Trent Rivers
Has spent time in the VFL across the past 12 months and while some of that is because he hasn't been fully fit, he is one who could have an increased role at West Coast. A Western Australian, he would bounce off half-back and has the capacity to inject energy into the midfield mix.
With more than 100 games of experience under his belt, he suits West Coast's demographic perfectly and comes out of contract at the end of next year.
Melbourne's spike this year may incentivise him to stay and push for another premiership in the red and blue but there has been speculation for multiple years he would be keen for a return home at some stage in his career.
