IN A West Coast attack boasting star talls, livewire goalsneaks and a reinvigorated veteran, there isn't much limelight left for a workmanlike flanker.
But if there is one player who deserves more credit for holding the Eagles' forward line together during a season of unavailability and adaptation, it is Jamie Cripps.
Especially since the mid-season bye, when the unheralded 141-gamer has quietly put together a career-best patch of form, precisely when West Coast needed it most.
With experienced teammates Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras and Darling sidelined at various stages, Cripps stepped up and booted 21 goals from 11 games to help guide the Eagles into second spot on the ladder.
That tally included a 4.3 return in the round 20 Western Derby, and three goals apiece in crucial victories over Port Adelaide and Brisbane.
But his scoreboard impact tells only part of the story.
Although Cripps is only one major shy of his personal record haul (34 goals in 2015), he has also become the No.1 Eagle for score assists and leads the AFL for forward 50 tackles.
Cripps' selflessness and defensive mindset help balance the attack, but he also covers similar territory to elite runners Andrew Gaff and Chris Masten, providing support to a previously maligned midfield group.
Given his importance, is little wonder an admittedly bias coach Adam Simpson and others at West Coast were a touch miffed the underrated 26-year-old was overlooked for All Australian squad honours.
"He goes under the radar," forwards coach Jaymie Graham explained to AFL.com.au.
"Just of late people are starting to notice what he does, but he's been doing what he's done this year for a number of years now.
"As a forward line, as a club and a team, everyone values 'Crippa' and what he brings.
"The main thing is his work-rate to help out defensively and then work hard and be a threat offensively.
"The big difference this year is he's probably been a little bit more rewarded for his effort and got on the end of it in scoring himself, and also being involved in scoring chains.
"He'll give himself opportunities by getting to the contest and if he doesn't win it he applies pressure.
"He might have days where he's quiet statistically, but he always gets rewarded internally for what he does off the ball.
"He has been important all year from the point-of-view of guys coming in and out of the forward line.
"He's been a constant, and really grown as a leader."
There are similarities between West Coast and qualifying final opponent Collingwood in that both sides have overcome injuries to first-choice forwards.
The Pies have received plenty of plaudits for still ranking third for scoring (93 points per game), and the Eagles (93, AFL No.5) haven't been far behind.
With Kennedy sidelined for half the season, West Coast has been forced to find other avenues besides the dual Coleman medallist, although the Eagles will welcome him back from injury and field their six leading goalkickers for the first time in 2018 on Saturday night.
"I don’t think we've relied on one player," Graham said.
"JK has spent a lot of time out and, in the past, we've relied on him too much.
"Now we've got guys coming in and multiple threats forward, which has been a big difference."
