FORMER North Melbourne tagger and current West Coast assistant coach Brady Rawlings never gave away trade secrets when he played, but Eagles midfielder Andrew Gaff says Rawlings' insights have been critical to his development.

Gaff is set to play his 100th game this week against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. It will also be his 94th consecutive match, the best active streak in the League following Drew Petrie's suspension this week. 

The 23-year-old is in the form of his life. He's averaging 29 disposals this year and sits equal third behind Nat Fyfe and Dan Hannebery in the AFL Coaches' Association award after 15 rounds. 

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said last week that Gaff was almost impossible to tag right now.

Gaff credited Rawlings with teaching him how to work through any attention he receives from opposition midifelders.

"Playing as a tagger himself, he's given me a lot of feedback and a lot of advice to cope around that stuff," Gaff said this week.

"Because no doubt in my first couple of years I struggled to get over it and it was tough to get around."

Gaff echoed the sentiments of his senior coach when asked about the secret to his success this season.

"(It's) just the consistency," Gaff said.

"I know as young players we sometimes might play a couple of good games here and there and a couple of average games backing it up.

"I think consistency, not just for me but the midfield group and as a team, we're really finding that balance between our worst games and our better games."

Simpson said Gaff was harshly judged in his early years and his form can quite simply be put down to a natural maturing process.

But the coach was also pleased that Gaff had acknowledged Rawlings' influence. 

"I'm glad he said that about Brady," Simpson said on Thursday. 

"Brady's a pretty new coach. He's in his second year. But Brady's experience as a run-with player over his (245) games, I've got no doubt it's helped Andrew with how to handle close attention, along with the flexibility he's been educated on as well as just the maturity of Gaff and how he handles run-with roles.

"He can play in different positions now. He's still got a bit of work to do. But I think Brady's helped in that sense."

The high expectations that were placed on Gaff came from the fact that he was the No.4 pick in the 2010 draft. The Eagles were searching for midfield talent and public expectations of Gaff started at the top end. 

The Victorian said he was pleased to reach the milestone this week. 

"It's something I am proud of," Gaff said.  

"To move away from home at 18, straight after finishing year 12 is a big step, moving to the other side of the country.

"But I am very proud to play 100 games for this great club and to play at home, my home, in Melbourne on the weekend will be great. Friends and family will be there. 

"Most importantly it's about playing well and hopefully helping get the team over the line in a big game." 

Despite still being a Victorian at heart, Gaff is signed until the end of 2016 and said he would love to achieve life membership at West Coast.