WHEN did Eagles fans dare to hope?
Sharing their memories of an unforgettable 2018 campaign, many West Coast fans said they only dared contemplate a flag when Dom Sheed slotted the match-winning goal from the boundary.
Others dared believe when the Eagles tore apart Richmond to claim top spot after nine rounds.
MUST WATCH The accidental plays that decided the flag
West Coast fans rated their season a near-perfect 9.8 out of 10 in AFL.com.au's end-of-season survey.
Elliot Yeo was voted the Eagles' standout player, ahead of defensive titans Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn.
Veteran Chris Masten and ex-Lion Jack Redden were judged the side's biggest surprise packets.
Here are the full survey results, plus a selection of the best responses from Eagles fans.
I knew we were a premiership chance when ...
… the new stadium was ready for use. It mentally prepared West Coast to compete effectively at the 'G, together with the coaching staff guiding them.
- Gavin Farr, Willetton WA
… Governor kicked the winning goal after the siren against Port. If we could win after a week like that, we could win it all. Against anybody!
- Michael Hodge, Harrisdale WA
… we beat the Pies in round 17 at the 'G. I booked my flights and accommodation after the win.
- Sam Keogh, Paddington NSW
… we dismantled Richmond by 47 points. From there we were bound for top two, and had proven to have the game to beat anyone.
- Marc Saxon, Osborne Park WA
… Collingwood dominated the qualifying final but the Eagles flicked the switch in the last quarter. That's when I thought, 'Wow!'
- Mark Jones, Broome. WA
… the Collingwood banner tore to shreds. After the omen of their Premiership Cup falling over earlier in the year, I was excited at that point.
- Chris Whybrow, Kingston Tas
What was the moment you'll remember from Grand Final day?
Will Schofield's unnoticed heroics all game long. He played like a true champion. Easily the best game of his career.
- Bryn Greenhalgh, Shelley WA
Eagles fans responding to Collingwood supporters 'USA' chants for Mason Cox with 'WA' for Josh Kennedy.
- Rassy Stark, Riverton WA
Switching USA for WA - Josh Kennedy with the Premiership Cup. All pictures: AFL Photos
Flying Ryan's last quarter was incredible for a first year player. Wouldn't have won without his passes to Kennedy and Sheed.
- Andrew Cowell, Paisley Scotland
Sat in the crowd behind Dominator Sheed, looking at the angle and thinking, 'He's a left footer!'
- Lyndon Vincent, Hampton Vic
McGovern, Vardy, Ryan and Sheed combining for the best passage of play in the last two minutes of a Grand Final in living memory.
- Andrew Jardine, Perth WA
Grand Final heroes Dom Sheed (l) and Liam Ryan in the rooms after the game.
Watching Dom Sheed's goal in our small dodgy hotel in Taos, New Mexico
- Ken Connolly, Perth WA
Jack Darling's drop mark in the square. Absolutely hilarious but almost cost us the game!
- Levi Nichols, Bridgetown WA
Jeremy McGovern takes the mark that turned the Grand Final ...
... setting up Dom Sheed to kick the winning goal.
The final siren, the explosion of happiness from everyone in our block and the mass evacuation from the block next to us.
- Blair Ginbey, Richmond Vic
Turning to my sister in the first quarter and apologising for convincing her to pay so much to come and watch a repeat of 2015. How wrong I was!
- Michael Royall, Mount Lawley WA
The flag was West Coast's fourth since joining the AFL.
The Eagles now have the most flags of any side to join the comp after 1987.
Luke Shuey (centre) becomes West Coast's fifth Norm Smith medallist.
Eagles fans' season rating
9.8/10
Read more
FROM UNFANCIED TO FLAG West Coast season review
THE WASH-UP More season reviews
