Dashing backman Jackson Nelson has revealed how conversations with coach Adam Simpson helped inspire some of his best form this season.

Named in West Coast's round two team after the AFL shutdown, Nelson soon found himself on the sidelines after a 44-point defeat to Gold Coast.

However, in one of the biggest positives of the Eagles’ campaign so far, the 24-year-old grabbed his next opportunity with both hands, returning after a two-game spell and embracing a new, more attacking, role across half-back.

Picking up 14 touches in the round five win over Sydney, Nelson was part of the side which helped get West Coast’s season back on track, and has grown in confidence and output during the club’s seven-game winning streak.

He gathered a career-best 23 disposals in the round seven RAC Derby, and continues to develop as a distributor, sharing kick-in duties with superboot Shannon Hurn.

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Nelson detailed how Simpson has had an influence on his career ahead of his sixth AFL season.

“I had good WAFL form (last year) and then it was kind of a conversation with Simmo, it was like 'it’s time to step up and do it at AFL level',” Nelson said.

“I basically just took that mindset I had at WAFL level and put it into AFL. Some guys can walk into AFL sides and play amazing footy. Some guys take a few years to learn the ropes.

“I was probably a role player for a while there and always had a job on a small forward or something, but now I’ve been able to play a high half-back role and get involved when we have the ball rather than just defending, which is always a bit more fun, getting the ball in my hands a bit more.

“It came down to a couple of conversations and time to take the next step and I feel like I’ve taken a small step in that direction for sure.”

Since being drafted via pick 51 in 2014, Nelson has shown plenty of promise without cementing a spot in an experienced and settled defensive group.

Thirteen games is his most appearance in a season – achieved in 2017 and last year.

He already has nine matches under his belt in 2020, and the tough Victorian product is soaking up the experience alongside the likes of reliable quartet Shannon Hurn, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass and Brad Sheppard.

“We’re a good tight unit down there, all pretty close mates. It definitely gives you confidence up the ground when you know that you’ve got guys like TB, Gov, Shepp and Bunga behind you,” Nelson said.

“They’re probably going to get the job done for you and save the day a few times throughout the day.

“Really experienced guys and really good in the air, and that helps us small defenders when they’re marking the ball all the time to get used on the way out.”

Despite feeling relatively settled in the line-up, Nelson isn’t allowing himself to get comfortable in his spot, with the likes of Lewis Jetta and Will Schofield pushing for places, and versatile tall Josh Rotham emerging.

Instead he is cherishing every match, especially alongside fellow 2014 draftee Liam Duggan – who is set to return from hamstring tightness against Greater Western Sydney - and housemate Tom Cole.

“We haven’t played very often together, so when we do get the chance we try to make the most of it,” Nelson said.

“Me and Duggo got drafted together, then Tommy was in the same host family as me and I live with him. It was like a bond you can’t describe really.

“It’s awesome to play with them and hopefully can play a lot more years with them.”