IMPROVING their connection with comeback ruckman Nic Naitanui will help West Coast's midfielders prove their doubters wrong this season, Eagles star Elliot Yeo says.
Naitanui made an impressive return to action after 19 months out with a ruptured ACL in Sunday's hard-fought 29-point loss to Sydney.
The 201cm big man immediately helped West Coast address issues by helping to win the territory and forward 50 supply battles, even though the Eagles' onball division was beaten in clearances (38-47).
West Coast's midfield has been much-maligned – particularly after a shocking effort against Fremantle in the final JLT Community Series clash – and questions linger about who will fill the void left by Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell.
Naitanui all smiles after impressive return
But Yeo (26 disposals), Luke Shuey (25), Andrew Gaff (24) and Dom Sheed (23) led the way in a competitive effort against the Swans' powerhouse engine room.
"It was one of our focus points going into the game, taking it up to them, and I felt we fought valiantly," Yeo told AFL.com.au.
"It's a good stepping stone going into the next round.
"Hopefully we can bring that pressure and intensity and hopefully we can change a couple of perspectives and opinions on our midfield.
"You don't like people talking dirt about you and your teammates, so you do everything possible to try and prove them wrong."
WATCH: Nic Nat's back with a bang
Naitanui only played 54 per cent game time against Sydney but wielded a major influence whenever he was around the contest.
The Eagles' talisman was sorely missed in 2017, but his tap work in the ruck and presence at ground level will add another dimension to West Coast's midfield if he stays on the park.
"He's an absolute freak, it's awesome to have him back," reigning club champion Yeo said.
"It's been a little bit tough for us and I'm sure throughout the coming weeks we'll get that connection a little bit better.
"It was a little bit scrappy, I felt, throughout different stages. I'm sure we'll rectify and work on that.
"You can be a little bit more dynamic at the stoppage, and having Nic in there you know probably 75 per cent of the time he's going to get his hand to it.
"That definitely helps and gives us confidence going forward.
"But he's going to have some teething issues coming back and obviously he's had a good game today, but there's going to be stages where he's up and down."
Yeo spent time up forward and across half-back against the Swans and brought the 53,553-strong crowd at Optus Stadium to their feet with a late snap as West Coast threatened to overrun the Swans.
While the 24-year-old earned his first All Australian blazer across half-back last season, he is prepared to remain a 'Mr Fix It' for coach Adam Simpson.
"A couple of years back I probably would've felt like I'd like to be a little bit more settled, but I think as the years have gone on my role has literally been to play all different positions," Yeo said.
"Especially last year, being able to get my head around that and playing all these different roles, I think it just comes with a little bit of experience and more maturity."
