ELLIOT Yeo's freakish talent has never been denied, but settling the enigmatic West Coast utility in defence could be the masterstroke that unlocks his potential, according to teammate Brad Sheppard.
Yeo has taken the competition by storm in the opening two rounds, reminding why he was rated among the AFL's emerging stars after a breakout 2015 campaign.
The aggressive Eagle has admitted he stagnated last year after being chopped and changed between a variety of roles.
While it's too early to say that Yeo has found consistency at half-back, the freedom to attack the ball in the air and unleash his booming kick has been pivotal in West Coast's 2-0 record.
Yeo made a blazing start with 26 touches, 10 marks and two goals in the round one win over North Melbourne on the road and, importantly, backed it up with another influential display against St Kilda.
The high-flying former Lion hauled in 13 grabs – five contested – to go with 25 disposals, used at 84 per cent efficiency.
After two rounds, he has taken a League-best 23 marks and nine contested grabs – only six shy of his tally from last year – and Sheppard believes Yeo is only scratching the surface of his ability 86 games into his career.
"He's only 23, so he's still got a lot of upside to his football," Sheppard told AFL.com.au.
"He'll find the more games he plays at the elite level the more he understands certain game scenarios.
"He's got all the attributes to become one of the best players in the game. By him being down back he can really settle into a role.
"We've really seen him flourish in the last couple of weeks.
"He's playing special football at the moment."
Yeo attacked pre-season with purpose in a bid to atone for last year, recording personal bests with his running and in the gym.
Coach Adam Simpson has compared Yeo's tree-trunk legs and body shape to Nat Fyfe – who is the same height (190cm) and three kilograms heavier (90kg) - and Sheppard doubted any of his teammates was more powerful in one-on-one battles.
"He's had a really strong summer and he's a really strong kid," he said.
"He's got pace and he's probably our best one-on-one player at the club – there's not too many contests he loses.
"Having him down back and letting him fly for marks and really set up our play and be damaging off half-back is really vital for our side.
"He's a terrific player and he's started the season the way we expect from him."
There is every chance Yeo will find himself in a battle of strength with Richmond star Dustin Martin, widely rated the best one-on-one player in the game, during Saturday's crunch game at the MCG.
Despite that intriguing prospect, Sheppard said containing the wounded Tiger, who will play with a broken cheekbone, would take a team effort – as well as some tackling smarts to avoid his famous fend-off.
"I'm the wrong bloke to ask because I've had a few 'don't argues' in my time," Sheppard said with a laugh.
"It always gets brought up and the boys tease me about it, but I think the key is to really get low in the tackle and, if you can, hit his arm out the way.
"But it's hard when you're in the moment and you're coming in hot. It's one of his weapons to fend off and get out of traffic.
"We've just got to be aware of it and don't rush into it."
