1. Injuries played a big part
When you look at the spate of injuries in 2012, it's hard not to wonder, 'What if?' Mark LeCras and Mark Nicoski, who kicked 88 goals between them in 2011, failed to play a match this year due to a knee reconstruction and hamstring injury respectively. When you consider leading 2011 goalkicker Josh Kennedy (59 goals) played just nine games and kicked 18 goals, the decimation of West Coast's forward line becomes apparent.

2. The Eagles bat deep
With the injury pandemic, the Eagles' second tier took the next step. Second-year forward Jack Darling excelled, kicking 53 goals (after 24 the year previous), and kicked at least one goal in every match. While Darling isn't yet at the standard of Kennedy, for West Coast to rely on a 20-year-old as its main tall target proves his maturity. Ex- Bulldog Josh Hill, traded to West Coast after just 12 games and five goals in 2011, stood tall alongside Darling. The 23-year-old kicked 36 goals and missed just two games.

3. West Coast's future midfield looks threatening
Luke Shuey took his average disposals to 23 a game, up from 20 last year and averaged 439m gained a game - second at the club behind another young star, Andrew Gaff. Gaff played every game in his second year, averaging 25 touches a match (the third-best at the club). Scott Selwood increased his disposal output by six possessions a game, collecting a team-high 597 disposals and Chris Masten played every round (averaging 86 per cent game time) after being in and out of the side for four years. Patrick McGinnity's versatility as a tagger, defensive forward or small defender adds another string to West Coast's bow.

4. The backline is still equipped
Veteran Darren Glass and Beau Waters both earned All Australian guernseys while others improved their standing. Eric Mackenzie is being groomed to take Glass' role and often played on the opposition's No.1 forward. Not always succeeding (see Pavlich's eight goals in round 19), but looking capable of soon emerging from Glass' shadow. Will Schofield came on in leaps and bounds while Shannon Hurn became one of the premier half-backs in the League. His kicking execution and distance makes him one of the team's most important players.

5. Not every player improved
Adam Selwood adapted from his tagging role to become an effective small defender, impressing on Andrew Krakouer in round 22. The concern for Selwood is he appears to have lost a yard of pace and the Eagles require more run and carry from defence when Waters or Hurn are well tagged. Forward Quinten Lynch needs to prove his worth - he was dropped late in the season and finished the year in the red vest after a disappointing semi-final against the Magpies. Defender Mitch Brown may look for opportunities elsewhere after failing to gain favour. 

6. Cox and Nic Nat is still the best ruck combo in the League
All Australians Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui are still the envy of every rival team. Cox spent more time forward this season, kicking a career-high 28 goals, but still excelled as a roving ruckman. His performance against North Melbourne in round 15 was arguably a career-best and showed the 31-year-old is no closer to slowing down. His understudy Nic Naitanui is a human highlight reel. Monstrous grabs, sizzling running goals and an elite ability to palm the ball to his midfielders. Scary to think he's only 22.

7. Never discount the Eagles when they're trailing
West Coast finished equal-best (with Geelong) in final quarters won in 2012 with 17 (and tying once). Considering on four of those occasions the Eagles came from behind at three-quarter time to win, it's fair to say they boast impressive endurance. While third quarters remain an issue, having won just 12 from 24, rival teams must be conscious not to put the cue in the rack at the final break. Just ask North Melbourne, who watched a 35-point second-quarter lead turn into a two-point loss in round 15.

8. The Eagles are developing an MCG hoodoo
Three games for three losses at the 'G in 2012 - admittedly they were all against top-four sides Hawthorn and Collingwood - but it's the same return from last year. The Eagles haven't won at the ground since round eight, 2010 and now have a seven-match losing streak there. Even if the Eagles finish top two next year and secure two home finals, there's no escaping the fact that the pinnacle of Australian football is reached at the MCG.

9. Speed is still an issue
One of the few things the Eagles lack in abundance is a linebreaking midfielder. CEO Trevor Nisbett has admitted West Coast will look to bolster its strong engine room with a rival midfielder and it's likely he's referring to one with speed. Shannon Hurn's overlap run out of the defensive area and Nic Naitanui's ability to split open a game are key to their quick ball movement into the forward line, but beyond that pair, the ability is lacking.

10. The Eagles have the nucleus of a top-four team
Two All Australian ruckmen (Cox and Naitanui) and backmen (Glass and Waters) show the elite talent on the list. Throw in tall forwards Darling and Kennedy, improving defenders Mackenzie and Schofield and established midfielders Daniel Kerr and Matt Priddis and West Coast appears a side firmly entrenched in its premiership window. If youngsters Shuey, Gaff, Masten and Scott Selwood continue their rapid development and gun forward Mark LeCras returns from injury in top form, then expect the Eagles to again be fighting for the top few spots on the ladder.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs