Only the absolute elite perform week in, week out in the unforgiving AFL environment, and there is no doubt Andrew Gaff belongs in that category. The ultra-consistent wingman’s ability to zero-in on doing his job no matter the circumstance was exemplified in round one against Melbourne when, despite everything going on in the background as the season was about to be shut down, he kept his standards at the highest level with 30 touches and a goal. Gaff was never more valuable than during the condensed fixture on the run towards finals, with the 28-year-old backing up match after match while other midfield stars went down with injuries. At season’s end, he led West Coast for disposals, was named in the All Australian squad, and finished runner-up in the John Worsfold Medal – the third podium finish of his career and his ninth top-10 placing in succession. After much speculation, Gaff's year was capped by confirmation of a four-year contract extension, which will see the 215-gamer push towards 300 appearances in blue and gold by the end of the deal.

Standout performance: When the going gets tough …

Given the context of the midfield stars who were missing and the importance of the match, it is difficult to go past Gaff’s equal season-high 33 disposals and goal in the round 17 triumph over St Kilda. With Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden and Dom Sheed sidelined, Gaff combined with Nic Naitanui and Tim Kelly to inspire a last-quarter fightback that sealed the Eagles’ finals berth for a sixth-straight year. The tireless worker never came from the field and was awarded the maximum 15 votes in the club champion following an indefatigable performance in an unforgettable win.

Season averages:

Disposals – 24.3

Metres Gained – 337.4

Uncontested Possessions – 16.7

Inside 50s – 3.2

Goal Assists – 0.5

2020 AFL statistical rankings:

1^st: Uncontested possessions

4^th: Total disposals

4^th: Total kicks

5^th: Effective disposals