FOCUSING on the basics has been a key to West Coast's remarkable improvement in their kicking efficiency over the past two seasons, according to Eagles coach Adam Simpson.
When Simpson took over at the end of the 2013 season, the Eagles sat 13th in the AFL in kicking efficiency.
Simpson preached kicking and ball movement as the key pillars of his game plan and the most vital area for the Eagles to improve from the moment he arrived at West Coast.
The Eagles' improvement in that area is a major reason for their rise to second on the ladder this year.
According to Champion Data, the Eagles improved from 13th in kicking efficiency in 2013 (64.8 per cent efficiency), to eighth in 2014 (65.4), and they now sit third (67.7) in the competition after 12 rounds.
The improvement amongst individual players has been equally dramatic.
Of the players who have had 85 kicks or more in each year, the Eagles did not have a single player kicking at 80 per cent efficiency or better in 2013.
In 2014 they had three, and in 2015 they have four players kicking at 81 per cent or higher.
Simpson said practicing the fundaments had been the key reason for the improvement.
"I don't think you plan on how quick they will improve," Simpson said.
"We've been really serious about being good at the fundamentals; we've focused on that all pre-season last year, and this season and that won't change.
"It's something I've learned at other clubs, that you've just got to be very good at the basics, and obviously kicking, your efficiency and decision-making are critical.
"And we have some decent players who can make good decisions. The talent level of our skill is reasonable and we have encouraged them to back themselves in a bit as well."
The Eagles' defence has been elite at hitting targets by foot this season, setting up scores from defensive 50 with brave and precise kicking.
Will Schofield (87.1 per cent), Sam Butler (82.2), Brad Sheppard (82.1) and Jeremy McGovern (81.6) have been the four best kicks in the side this year of those with 80 kicks or more.
By comparison, injured defenders Eric Mackenzie (80.1) and Mitch Brown (63.2) were not as effective by foot in 2014.
Simpson has been pleased with the way his defenders have rebounded by foot although he is not surprised.
"I think most backlines have high efficiency with their skill," Simpson said.
"We've got some naturally gifted players down there who can rebound well.
"But they have to defend first. We've been really pleased with Sharrod (Wellingham) and what he can do down back and the development of (Brad) Sheppard, and (Sam) Butler and obviously McGovern and Schofield as well.
"And then we have Xavier Ellis who has played some minutes down there as well.
"As long as they can defend and work together, the rebound sort of takes care of itself."
