1. West Coast’s resilience in the face of adversity has been tested in the opening two rounds and making 14 changes from the season-opener to Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne was a significant challenge for the club on a number of fronts. But the spirit shown by the players - plus the sense of belonging felt by the five COVID Contingency List top-ups called in at late notice - was apparent in the team’s performance. The Eagles might not have flown home with the four points, but many in the football world respected the attitude by all involved to play the cards that had been dealt and get on with it.

2. Anyone who consistently watches the WAFL will tell you there is plenty of readymade talent in the ranks, and CCL players Aaron Black, Declan Mountford, Angus Dewar, Stefan Giro and ex-Eagles midfielder Brayden Ainsworth were proof of that. Black, the 2014 Sandover medallist, has carved out a brilliant career for West Perth, and showed he was more than capable of stepping up to the level with 15 disposals and a superb running goal. Mountford was singled out by coach Adam Simpson post-game for his efforts quelling dangerous Roo mid Jy Simpkin, while Dewar, Ainsworth and Giro also had their moments on a remarkable day at the footy.

3. West Coast’s injury list has been much longer than anyone would like in recent months but the impressive returns of Luke Shuey and Liam Duggan from lengthy lay-offs provided a boost and spoke volumes of the two leaders’ professionalism to step straight back into the top level. Duggan, in particular, had not seen any game time since undergoing knee surgery last August, but was as composed as ever with 18 disposals and a goal, while the skipper’s toughness and energy around the contest as he gathered 23 disposals, with nine tackles and eight clearances was instrumental in the Eagles mounting a genuine challenge.

4. There continues to be exciting glimpses from West Coast’s emerging crop, with Luke Foley (14 disposals) again defending strongly and providing bounce from half-back, while Bailey Williams (nine, one goal) also competed hard in his first attempt at leading the ruck. Coming off an injury-interrupted summer, Luke Edwards also took things in his stride after subbing into the game after half-time and finishing with eight touches. Debutants Jack Williams and Callum Jamieson, a pair of developing talls who always take time, will also have learnt plenty from the experience.

5. In the opening round Willie Rioli helped spark the Eagles, and he was better again in just his second game back in two-and-a-half years, booting a career-best four goals and picking up 18 disposals. The electrifying forward has returned in fantastic touch and his combination with Liam Ryan – who had 17 disposals and was among the team’s best coming out of the AFL Health and Safety Protocols - in the Eagles’ attacking arc promises to only get even more dangerous as the pair build their way into the campaign.