While the form of the Eagles has dipped markedly in the last three weeks, the output of champion ruckman Nic Naitanui has been one of the positives.

Naitanui, who won All-Australian selection last year as well as the John Worsfold Medal as Club Champion, has maintained his standards throughout the year.

A competitive beast, he did all he could to get his team over the line winning 36 hit outs and racking up 11 clearances himself. Of his 20 possessions, 17 were contested which was a game-high.

Adapting the philosophy of getting the ball forward at all opportunities some of his disposals were rushed kicks out of congestion and he also tried to knock the ball into space so teammates could run onto the loose footy.