WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson says he isn't surprised by livewire Willie Rioli's impact in his debut season, after watching the crowd favourite help ignite a 42-point victory over Port Adelaide.
In just his sixth game, Rioli was instrumental in the Eagles' convincing triumph at Optus Stadium, which took them to top of the ladder.
Rioli picked up 16 touches, used at 81 per cent efficiency, booted two goals and set up several others in a brilliant performance.
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The 22-year-old has added a new dynamic to West Coast's attack but his toughness around the contest and creative ball use have been added bonuses.
"He's (got) really clean hands and he's tough and he provides a bit of X-factor," Simpson said.
"We knew he was talented and we also knew he was aggressive, so I'm not surprised he's contributing like he is, and it looks like he's having fun as well.
"I think he's pretty settled in his role at the moment, he's a crafty forward who is really hard to play on and he can pinch-hit on-ball."
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Rioli, who dropped 16kg to earn an AFL shot via pick 52 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, has sparked comparisons to his famous cousins Cyril and Daniel with his smarts and ability to set up teammates.
"I wish I could say I coached (footy smarts) into Willie, but I get the feeling it might be built within that type of stuff," Simpson said.
"We love him in the side. He'll hopefully grow stronger and stronger and fitter and fitter as his career progresses."
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Simpson praised his side's "collective will" for contested ball dominance against the hardened Power, with West Coast finishing up 42 in the crucial statistic.
"There's a collective will about our boys at the moment that is really good," he said.
"I've spoken about the spirit of the guys and how they're doing it as one.
"Our midfield in particular, there's no standout player. Everyone's playing their part. Of course, (ruckmen) Nic (Naitanui) and Scott (Lycett) help giving us first use is always important as well."
While the Eagles lost star midfielder Luke Shuey (hamstring) within minutes of the opening bounce, others stepped up to cover his absence.
Jack Redden (32 disposals, eight clearances) was superb again after an outstanding Western Derby, while Mark Hutchings replaced Dom Sheed and racked up 27 touches, 10 tackles and seven clearances.
"(Redden has) had more opportunity than ever this year with the retirements and the opportunities we've set up with him, and he's not letting us down," Simpson said.
"Today was one of his better games for the club.
"Hutch has been, you hate to say stiff, but he has been stiff not to stay in our senior side.
"We've set up a little bit differently this year with our mids – there's probably one or two less – he's been a victim of that.
"He's part of the collective, though. Him coming out of the side last week and handling himself really well at East Perth, we've just got so much confidence he can come in and do the job for us."
Sheed could return from a sore foot against the depleted Giants in Sydney next round, the next challenge in a tough month for West Coast, which has Richmond (home) and Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium) to follow.
The Eagles have started the season 6-1 for the first time since 2012 and, in an even year, loom as a genuine finals contender and, remarkably, top-four hope.
"Banking the wins early is really important in this season and we've seen teams do it in the past, so to get six wins is fantastic for us, but our test is in front of us," Simpson said.
