Star forward Jake Waterman is determined to keep ‘levelling up’ and is excited to form a dangerous partnership with spearhead Oscar Allen in 2025.

Coming off a career-best season which culminated in 53 goals and All-Australian selection, Waterman is brimming with confidence that he can still improve.

“I’m confident in my game at the moment. I’ve just got to keep levelling up. Last year was great, but I think I’ve got another level to get to,” Waterman said.

“It’s tough being a key forward in this League, no doubt, but I think I’ve got the processes in place to be a good, consistent key forward, leader and player for this team.

“Whether that results in goals every week, or marks, so be it. I just want to have an impact and be a consistent leader.”

Waterman has been itching to play since the final pre-season tune-up against North Melbourne, when he was best afield for the Eagles with four classy goals.

Allen missed that match due to his brother’s wedding, but is also raring to go for his second season sharing skipper duties with Liam Duggan.

Allen strung 10 games together to finish last season after being troubled by a knee complaint up to the mid-season bye.

“It’s exciting to have him back fit and firing. We’ve played a lot of footy together in patches, and we’re very confident in each other’s games and we know how we like to lead and play,” Waterman said.

“It fills with me with a lot of confidence knowing that even though sometimes I can’t see him on the field I know where he’s going to be and what actions I can act off him.”

Young gun Archer Reid is in the frame to debut as the forward-ruck alongside Waterman and Allen, having put together a standout summer.

“I’ve been so impressed. You just look at his stature, he’s huge, and the way he runs, he’s a blank canvas and he’s put on a bit of weight,” Waterman said.

“He’s still got a bit to go, but just the way he applies himself to learning structures, learning gameplans and getting the best out of himself (is impressive)."

The third tall forward and ruck roles have been hotly contested, with Jack and Bailey Williams able to play both positions, with Matt Flynn leading the midfield brigade in practice matches.

Liam Ryan, Noah Long, Tyler Brockman, recruit Matt Owies and stalwart Jamie Cripps are also vying for positions in the mosquito fleet in attack. 

“There’s a bit of a selection squeeze in our forward line at the moment, which is great. The pressure for spots can only make us better,” Waterman said. 

While implementing a new gameplan is a work in progress, Waterman believed the dynamic style would eventually lead the team back to finals under new coach Andrew McQualter.

“’Mini’ has spoken about forming our identity that will one day allow us to play finals,” he said.

“We’re going to have good days, we’re going to have bad days. We’ve just got to believe in something and stick to it, and hopefully that turns into four points more often than not.”

Round one pits West Coast against the Suns at Optus Stadium on Sunday at 3.10pm, with the visitors set to also open their season after their Opening Round match was postponed due to Cyclone Alfred.

“It’s pretty crazy what’s going on there at the moment, we do feel sorry for the people in that part of the world and what they’re experiencing,” Waterman said.

“Your heart does go out to families being affected by it.

“Both us and Gold Coast go into the weekend having not played a game, so it’s a level playing field I guess.”