What's worked Nearly everything has gone right for West Coast since a humiliating round three loss to Fremantle. The Eagles have won eight of nine since then. The midfield has been outstanding after many questions surrounded the Eagles' depth in that area at the start of the season. Nic Naitanui has starred in the ruck and the forward line has kicked big scores without Jack Darling, while the defence has held firm minus Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown.
Story of the season The Eagles' ability to overcome the loss of their two best key defenders has been extraordinary. Many wrote their season off after Mackenzie, the reigning best and fairest winner, and Brown both suffered ACL injuries prior to round two. But the defence has been outstanding in their absence, led by Will Schofield and youngster Jeremy McGovern.
Best win Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round six announced the Eagles' arrival, but beating Richmond at the MCG off two consecutive six-day breaks confirmed their legitimacy.
Best individual performance There have been some great performances but it's hard to go past Josh Kennedy's 10 goals against Carlton in round two.
Brownlow leader Matt Priddis will be hard-pressed to win back-to-back Brownlows given Nat Fyfe's form, but he will poll strongly again.
The revelation Elliot Yeo has been one of the finds of the year moving into the midfield after playing most of his career to date in defence.
The missing Mackenzie and Brown seemed huge losses at the time of their injuries but they have scarcely been missed. Hardly anyone has remembered that Beau Waters retired at the start of the year. Darling and Xavier Ellis were also absent for the first 10 rounds, but the Eagles were on a winning roll without them and they have both slotted back in seamlessly.
Worst performance The Eagles were exposed badly in their round-three loss to Fremantle, where they were blown away in the first half. But Fremantle did the same thing to the Sydney Swans a week later.
Mark of the year Nic Naitanui, R9 v Geelong
Goal of the year Elliot Yeo, R6, Port Adelaide
Three games that shape the season
R17, Sydney Swans, Domain Stadium
R19, Hawthorn, Domain Stadium
R20, Fremantle, Domain Stadium
Fantasy Pig Andrew Gaff, average 103.8 points
STATS LEADERS
Disposals Matt Priddis (363)
Marks Josh Kennedy (85)
Contested marks Jeremy McGovern (19)
Goals Josh Kennedy (46)
Inside 50s Andrew Gaff (52)
Clearances Matt Priddis (90)
Contested possessions Matt Priddis (183)
Score 8.5/10
