When the final chapter of Elliot Yeo’s career is written - and that won’t be for some time yet - 2024 will be remembered as a turning point in his story.

Beset by injuries over the previous four years, it is no overstatement to say Yeo’s longevity in the game was under threat heading towards his 11th campaign in blue and gold.

Following the highs of the 2018 premiership and back-to-back John Worsfold Medals, then a second All-Australian blazer in 2019, the midfield bull just hadn’t had a fair run at it.

From 2020-23 he managed only 37 appearances at the top level, robbing the Eagles of their most influential player during what should have been his prime.

Something had to change - and it did.

Not by chance, but with an inspired decision to undertake an off-season trip to Doha, Qatar to visit world-renowned physiotherapist, Enda King.

Thanks to specialist consultation that NFL, NBA and Premier League stars had also undertaken, a roadmap back to full fitness and an individualised training plan was devised.

It didn’t take long for the program to deliver results.

With each training session Yeo’s explosiveness and confidence in his body returned, to the point where he no longer doubted if he would hold up to the rigours of a brutal sport.

What ultimately transpired was an outstanding comeback season, when Yeo averaged 22.5 disposals, 6.6 clearances and kicked 11 goals to earn a narrow runner-up placing in the John Worsfold Medal.

It was an incredible turnaround, which ultimately gave the club confidence to extend a three-year contract offer to Yeo mid-season.  

“I’m just happy to be out there playing games of footy, really, more than anything and just trying to help the team win,” Yeo said upon reflection of his year.

“That’s all I really care about at the end of the day. I love the competitive nature of footy and that’s why I love coming into work every day.

“To win more games next year would be a lot better, and a few more years under the belt as well hopefully we can get back to some sort of success before I go.”

Unquestionably, the hard work and open mindedness of West Coast’s conditioning and medical staff was key to Yeo’s comeback, as were the learnings implemented from his Qatar excursion.

“That was a big factor in keeping me fit but also understanding what my body needs and the issues I had with it and what I need to work on,” Yeo said.

“A few specific things here and there were getting the better of me over the course of a year and throughout previous years as well that I was able to manage.

“I was happy to play 20 games for the year. if you had have asked me at the start of the year how many I’d play I’d take that in a heartbeat.

“To be able to get through and play as many games as possible, but to also find out a bit more about my body and how it ticks was fantastic.”

Now a veteran of a youthful engine room, Yeo was instrumental in the Eagles’ strong wins over Richmond and Fremantle early in the ’24 campaign.

Claiming his second Glendinning-Allan Medal after 26 disposals and a goal in the famous round seven RAC Derby upset win was the high-water mark.

West Coast only notched three more victories for the year, albeit the club’s youth showed exciting signs, and Yeo’s mentoring relationship with tyro Harley Reid, in particular, highlighted his growth.

“I’m still a kid at heart as well,” Yeo said with a laugh.

“I get on pretty well with all the young boys. I’m a bit of a jokester and prankster like them. I feed off their energy and it’s a lot of fun to be around.

“It’s a good environment at the football club and we’re building towards something where we can hopefully have some success.”

While Yeo’s football got back on track, his life away from the game changed forever.

In June, he tragically lost his father Craig way too soon.

Three months later he experienced all the joy fatherhood brings when his partner Tess gave birth to their daughter Indiana.

It is not a year Yeo will ever forget and through it all he was in the midst of a season that, touch wood, changed his career trajectory.

Entering 2025, a new era beckons under Andrew McQualter, who will take the reins as just the seventh full-time senior coach in the team’s history.

Heading towards his 12th season at West Coast, Yeo will experience playing under just his second coach.

“I’m excited by that,” Yeo enthused.

“A bit of an unknown and what he’s going to bring and how he wants us to play.

“That’s exciting for myself at 31 years of age, it gives you a different take on footy and I’m looking forward to it.”