In a nutshell
A remarkable campaign culminated in the sweetest of West Coast's four premierships. The Eagles' resilience saw them overcome plenty of adversity, and they showed tremendous spirit to overturn an early 29-point deficit in an epic Grand Final.
What we said in the pre-season
AFL.com.au expected the Eagles to slide after finishing sixth in 2017, with none of our reporters tipping them to qualify for finals. There were questions about West Coast's ability to adapt to a new home ground and whether the midfield could compete with the league's best. However, the Eagles turned Optus Stadium into a formidable venue, going 11-3 at home, and an underrated engine room was outstanding, even after losing stars Nic Naitanui and Andrew Gaff.
What worked
Getting their kicks: The Eagles transformed into the AFL's No.1 kicking team and that helped them adapt to a wider home ground and, crucially, the MCG.
Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan: West Coast desperately needed ground level spark and pace in attack and the first-year forwards offered plenty, combining for 48 goals.
Playing a role: Adam Simpson simplified things and got the best out of Chris Masten, Lewis Jetta, Jack Redden and Jack Darling, to name a few, while specific roles meant others were able to step up late after stars went down.
What failed
Nic Naitanui's 'good' knee: The brilliant ruckman exceeded expectations coming back from 18 months on the sidelines, but heartbreakingly ruptured the ACL in his right knee in round 17.
Eric Mackenzie's feet: The popular veteran was forced into retirement without playing a game in 2018 due to stress fractures in both big toes after everything medicos suggested failed to fix his issues.
Optus Stadium opening: It matters little in 2018's context and feels like forever ago now, but the Eagles couldn't start a new era with victory over Sydney.
Overall rating
A+.
It was a hell of a ride as the Eagles proved the critics wrong time and time again.
The coach
Adam Simpson engineered a remarkable transformation, with the Eagles successfully implementing a new game-style and introducing fresh blood into the line-up. Simpson was rewarded with a three-year contract extension until the end of 2022 and the stunning premiership has confirmed his standing as one of the AFL's truly elite coaches.
Adam Simpson has emerged as one of the AFL's elite leaders.
The leaders
Shannon Hurn's captaincy was questioned before the season started, but the veteran half-back was simply outstanding in 2018 and earned his first All Australian jacket. His understated leadership fits perfectly with Simpson's style and their calmness kept the squad level during a rollercoaster season. Co-vice-captain Luke Shuey reiterated his status as a big-game player and the skipper in waiting.
MVP
Elliot Yeo: The Eagles needed Yeo to transfer his all-Australian form from half-back to midfield, and he became an elite onballer, averaging 24.6 disposals and booting 14 goals. Could win back-to-back John Worsfold medals, but it will be a tight race.
Surprise packet
Chris Masten: Languished in the WAFL last year and career was at the crossroads when he didn't play any JLT Community Series games, but was a surprise round-one selection and was reborn on a wing in 24 games.
Get excited
Liam Ryan: Ran into some off-field trouble but booted 20 goals in 13 games, and had some influential moments late in the Grand Final. Only 21 and could be anything as he matures.
Disappointment
Eric Mackenzie: The 2014 club champion revived his career in the back half of last season but his elimination final heroics were among his last acts as a footballer after he failed to play an AFL game this year and was forced to retire due to toe issues.
Best win
Grand Final: West Coast 11. 13 (79) d. Collingwood 11.8 (74)
The demons of 2015 looked to have resurfaced after the Eagles coughed up five unanswered goals to start the Grand Final, but they staged one of the all-time great comebacks on the biggest stage.
Best individual performance
Luke Shuey, Grand Final v Collingwood
The brilliant midfielder was disappointed with his finals campaign but stepped up when it mattered most. Shuey kept the Eagles in the game early when many teammates looked rattled, and finished with 34 touches, 19 contested possessions, nine clearances, eight inside 50s, eight tackles and a goal.
The big questions
Will restricted free agents Andrew Gaff and Scott Lycett move on, and is Mark LeCras going to retire on a high?
Can Nic Naitanui return as the same athletic player after rupturing the ACL in his 'good' knee?
Do the Eagles have the hunger to contend again in 2019?
Season in a song
Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
Who's done?
Retirements: Eric Mackenzie
Delistings: TBC
Unsigned free agents: Andrew Gaff, Mark LeCras, Scott Lycett
Early call for 2019
The Eagles' premiership window is wide open and they should be challenging again next season.
