Every defence needs a no-fuss, tough and quick back pocket and Cole continued growing in that role for the Eagles in 2021.
The 24-year-old has carved out a niche as a reliable backman who Adam Simpson can turn to for lockdown roles on the opposition’s dangerous small forwards, with the coach confident that Cole never leaves anything in the tank.
He was one of just five Eagles to feature in every game this year, playing every game for the first time in six seasons, and produced arguably his best campaign – which will likely see him finish inside the top 10 of the club champion award for the first time.
Cole is also developing his rebounding side of the game, and recorded the most disposals in a season (301) at an average of 13.7 per game.
Standout performance: Absorbing the Suns’ heat
It was way back in round one when West Coast hosted Gold Coast and withstood a fierce challenge to get on the winners’ list, with Cole among the standouts.
Not only did he record season-highs for disposals (22) and metres gained (368), but he helped keep the Suns’ small forwards quiet, most notably Izak Rankine, who was kept to just 11 touches and one behind as the Eagles prevailed by 25 points.
Season averages:
Disposals – 13.7
Pressure acts – 13
One percenters – 2.7
Spoils – 2.1
Tackles - 2
