The 2021 mid-season rookie draftee built upon his debut five-game campaign with 14 appearances, despite dealing with several injury setbacks.
West couldn’t be considered during the Eagles’ time of need in rounds one and two due to a hamstring strain, but featured in 12 of the next 13 games, bringing his toughness, effort and hard-running power to the line-up.
An Achilles injury slowed him for a couple of games late in the year before a fractured wrist suffered in round 20 against Gold Coast ended his season with three games to go.
West averaged 14 disposals for the campaign, highlighted by a three-game run against Richmond, Brisbane and Melbourne between rounds seven-to-nine when he averaged 23 disposals, nine contested possessions and four clearances.
Standout performance: Delivering against the Dees
The energetic midfielder delivered his best game in blue and gold on a tough night against reigning premier Melbourne, bringing his trademark speed and hardness to the contest.
West finished with a career-best 29 disposals – 16 kicks and 13 handpasses – while laying seven tackles and winning five clearances.
The Eagles suffered a 74-point loss and slipped to 1-8 amid an availability crisis, but West’s form was a highlight amid the most challenging period of the campaign.
Season averages
Disposals – 14.1
Contested possessions – 5.6
Tackles – 3.7
Inside 50s – 2.4
Clearances – 2.1
