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.
Joel Jeffrey
The Gold Coast half-back's name has been frequently thrown up in trade discussion in recent weeks with West Coast an interested party.
He would offer clean skills and ball-use off half-back which has been on show throughout 2026.
At Gold Coast, he is stuck behind Daniel Rioli, John Noble and arguably even Bodhi Uwland as back half distributors, but would have a much more prominent role if he moved home.
The 192cm defender has become a staple for the Suns in the last 18 months and Gold Coast look to have finally built a strong squad which can content, but with multiple of his teammates considering their future, could he look for a fresh start at a more stable club?
