In a nutshell
The Eagles only won half-a-game less than they did in the 2015 home and away season. But that was the difference between finishing second last year and sixth in 2016. In reality though the Eagles never found their best form. They suffered some heavy defeats at the hands of other contenders. Three great wins late in the year gave Eagles fans hope, but Nic Naitanui's knee injury and the irrepressible Western Bulldogs took full toll. 

What we said in the pre-season 
We predicted another Grand Final appearance if all went to plan. The Eagles were in full health with the return of Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown in the pre-season and had a perfect list profile to make another run at the premiership.

What worked
Josh Kennedy, Jeremy McGovern, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Matt Priddis. The Eagles' top-five players were superb all year and really carried the group at times. Tom Barrass' development was also a very promising sign for the Eagles' future. 

What failed
The Eagles relied too heavily on too few, particularly in the midfield. Mackenzie was unable to acclimatize into the Eagles' defensive style. High-profile recruits Lewis Jetta and Jack Redden had little impact. A lot of the Eagles' role players were very inconsistent.    

Overall rating
C – The Eagles were the first team in League history to miss the top-four with 16 wins. But overall it was just a pass mark following the Grand Final appearance last year. 

The coach
Adam Simpson's calm approach is admirable and it gives the players confidence. He is a player's coach and often mentions that he doesn't want to forget what it was like to be a player. He said in the aftermath of the loss to the Bulldogs that it was on him to help the players improve to become better big game players and more consistent next year. That may mean a tougher approach on some individuals. 

The leaders 
Shannon Hurn had another good year as the Eagles skipper and Josh Kennedy kicked 82 goals as the vice captain. The Eagles are developing some younger leaders with Luke Shuey added to the leadership group this year and he performed very well. Matt Priddis is unwavering in the standards he sets. Eric Mackenzie had a tough year coming off a knee reconstruction. 

Josh Kennedy had another superb season to win the Coleman Medal. Picture: AFL Photos

MVP
The Eagles players nominated Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy and Luke Shuey for the AFLPA MVP award. Shuey will go close to winning the best and fairest, but Kennedy is their most valuable player. He kicked 82 goals to win his second consecutive Coleman Medal. Opposition sides know they have to keep him quiet to beat the Eagles.  

Surprise packet
Tom Barrass' emergence in defence was one of the shining lights for the Eagles this season. He won a NAB Rising Star nomination for his performance against Adelaide in round 23. But more significantly, his excellent form kept 2014 best and fairest Eric Mackenzie out of the team for the second half of the season. 

Get excited
What could Jeremy McGovern do next year? It's easy to forget that he's played just 55 games given the quality of his performances. The Eagles could be more flexible with the All Australian next season, which will be exciting to watch. 

Disappointment
Lewis Jetta appeared to be the cream on the cake for the Eagles' midfield adding genuine pace, great foot skills and goalkicking ability. But he was really disappointing, playing just 12 games and being dropped three times. 

Best win
Round 21: West Coast 14.13 (97) def Greater Western Sydney 14.12 (96) @ Spotless Stadium

The Eagles' best performance was the round 23 win over Adelaide but their best win was clearly the last-gasp victory over Greater Western Sydney a fortnight earlier. Nic Naitanui kicked a goal from a boundary throw-in with just seconds remaining to pip the Giants.

Low point
The elimination final loss was disastrous. Not so much for the loss itself but the manner in which the Eagles were beaten. The Bulldogs bullied them around the ball. It was the Eagles' biggest losing margin in a home final and just the fourth finals loss at home in the club's history.

The big questions

  • What can the Eagles achieve without Naitanui?
  • Can the Eagles utilize McGovern's flexibility more in 2017?
  • Can Jetta and Redden become the players the Eagles need?

Season in a song
Waste a moment, By Kings of Leon 

What we say: It's wide open, but can the Eagles climb through?

Who's done?
Retirements: Damien Cavka, Xavier Ellis, Kane Lucas, Patrick McGinnity
Delistings: Corey Adamson, Jamie Bennell, Brant Colledge, Alec Waterman
Unsigned free agents: Mitch Brown, Sam Butler  

How should they approach trade and draft period?
The Eagles are set to be aggressive, particularly in search of a short-term ruck option for next year. If the Eagles can add another readymade quality midfielder they will jump at the chance. A pure crumbing forward like Hayden Ballantyne might also be considered. 

Early call for 2017
The Eagles are a top-four side but no Naitanui leaves a significant question mark as to their ability to finish at the pointy end next season. At present they could finish on the cusp of the four again depending on their ability to beat the best sides.