1. The growth of Bailey Williams has been one of the major positives of a gruelling season. Called in to assume the mantle of the No.1 ruckman he has embraced the role and continues to build his skill set and confidence. He was again an important factor with 16 possessions, 21 hit outs, five clearances and six tackles as he worked busily around the stoppages.

2. Eagles fans continue to show their support with remarkable commitment during a tough year. More than 41,000 again showed up at Optus Stadium and they were buoyed by the commitment of the players against the top-of-the-table Magpies. Down three players at quarter-time having lost Connor West (knee), Elijah Hewett (concussion) and Shannon Hurn (hamstring) they showed great resilience to stay in the fight until overwhelmed in the last quarter.

3. Small forward Noah Long is fast becoming one of the inspired draft selections in recent years. Secured with pick #58 last November the ever-smiling Long has made a strong early impression. He was busy throughout the battle with the Pies, shows a high football IQ and generally makes good decisions with the ball in hand. He kicked an important third quarter goal from around the 50 metre mark and the popular teenager was mobbed by teammates.

4. Another of the emerging players, fleet-footed forward Jack Petruccelle is another who is starting to benefit from more opportunities and from stringing together a solid run of matches. Petruccelle is one of the most exciting movers and when he uses his speed breaking through the midfield you can almost hear the tempo in the crowd rise.

5. Energised midfielder Elliot Yeo provided a strong reminder of what the Eagles have been missing for the last couple of years while working through injury concerns. His third quarter was simply inspiring as he virtually lifted his team onto his shoulders as they closed within 14 points on three occasions in the term. Yeo finished with 26 possessions, 16 of them contested, and won seven clearances.