Despite a difficult beginning to the year – being sidelined with a back problem – Jake Waterman got going in round four and put together some encouraging performances.

The mobile forward slotted 13 goals across his 14 matches for the senior side, including a season-best three against Fremantle in round seven.

From there, it was rare to see the 23-year-old held scoreless, as he continued to develop his craft across the year.

The son of two-time premiership player Chris is looking likely to be a valuable asset for the Eagles in seasons to come, with his pinpoint accuracy and elite marking ability proving dangerous across the year, especially considering tall forwards Josh Kennedy and Oscar Allen were sidelined with injury at times across the season.

Standout performance: Snaking the Saints

Waterman showed off his aerial ability against St Kilda in round 19, with a career-high 12 marks – four inside 50s – going hand-in-hand with 16 disposals, 10 score involvements and a goal.

His workrate was further proven with 11 pressure acts, a season-best 302 metres gained, helping West Coast secure what was ultimately the team’s last win for the year in round 19 at Optus Stadium.

Season averages:

Disposals – 12.4

Marks – 6.4

Marks inside 50 – 1.4

Score involvements – 4.4

Goals – 0.9