Another step forward for the powerful young onballer, who played 11 matches – up from eight last year and five in his debut season – either side of a mid-year injury and took on a more prominent midfield role.
O’Neill was subbed out of the round seven loss to Richmond with a knee problem which cost him eight weeks on the sidelines, but he returned to senior action in round 18 against Hawthorn and was a regular fixture on the run home.
The 22-year-old hit several important markers in his development during the season, including picking up a career-best 24 disposals in round four against Collingwood and laying 11 tackles as an influential player in the second RAC Derby of the season.
Looms as an important member of the next generation of midfielders pushing for more exposure in coming seasons.
Standout performance: Thriving in the RAC Derby furnace
The undermanned Eagles threw everything at Fremantle in round 22 and, in his first taste of a crosstown battle, O’Neill stood tall when the match was at its hottest.
O’Neill’s chasedown tackle on Heath Chapman in the goalsquare saw him put West Coast in front at quarter-time, and he led all-comers for tackles (11) in the wet and slippery conditions.
His 19 disposals, nine contested possessions, five inside 50s, five intercepts and three clearances amounted to the best performance of the emerging Victorian’s developing career.
Season averages
Disposals – 14.5
Tackles – 4.6
Score involvements – 2.5
Inside 50s – 2.4
Clearances – 2.2
