WEST Coast star Elliot Yeo is leaning on teammate Mark Hutchings for advice about dealing with taggers, and is happy copping the extra attention if it frees up the Eagles' other midfielders.
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Yeo has been a catalyst for West Coast's resurgence from a 3-3 start to a 12-5 win-loss record, ranking as the League's second-best onballer since that shaky opening to its flag defence, according to the Official AFL Player Ratings.
That hasn't gone unnoticed by opponents, with Hawthorn sending Daniel Howe to Yeo in round 15, while Melbourne hard nut Angus Brayshaw was given the lockdown job in Alice Springs last Sunday.
Elliot Yeo had Angus Brayshaw for company for much of last Sunday's victory. Picture: AFL Photos
In both those matches, Yeo gathered a season-low 16 disposals, but still found ways to impact eventual West Coast victories.
His 12 tackles in a wet slog were important against the Hawks, while the dual club champion laid another nine and booted a critical goal during his team-lifting final term as the Eagles overran the Demons.
"I didn't really feel frustrated or anything like that (against Melbourne)," Yeo told AFL.com.au.
"I felt that I was still playing my role and as much as I wasn't getting the football as much, I still felt that my pressure and presence around the contest was still there.
(Being tagged) is something I'm learning through and trying to get through - Elliot Yeo
"Towards the back end, when I was able to get hold of the footy and make a bit of an impact, I was glad that I took that opportunity and was able to finish.
"(Being tagged) is something I'm learning through and trying to get through.
"Having 'VB' (midfield coach Nathan van Berlo) as well, who was a tagger, certainly helps and you learn a fair bit off 'Hutchy' as well.
"It's just small things like that where you can learn and it helps you grow as a player."
Rival teams have faced a tough call whether to tag Yeo, Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey or go head-to-head with West Coast's engine room.
Shuey got off the chain with 39 touches, 11 clearances and a goal against the Hawks, while Dom Sheed (34 disposals) had a day out in the Red Centre.
Ball magnet Andrew Gaff and selfless onballer Jack Redden have also inflicted damage at various stages.
"That depth helps for us to be able to impact and hurt teams, if one of their best players does come to 'Boots' (Shuey) or someone else," Yeo said.
Frustrated at the Eagles' inconsistent start to 2019, Yeo has shouldered plenty of grunt work since coach Adam Simpson challenged his stuttering side to lift in the contest.
He is the AFL's No.1 player for pressure points, and has laid the most tackles (126) this season – 10 clear of Lions gun Dayne Zorko.
"I've just probably more had a focus of providing as much pressure on the contest as possible, whether that's getting a hand in or tackle in," Yeo said.
"As much as you'd love to have the ball in your hands every time that's not the case, and you're not going to win every one as well.
"It's one of those ones where you go 'how can I impact the game if I'm not going to get the football, or if I'm not going to win it?'.
"It's just something that's evolved and adapted."
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