But that's not to say they won't be blown away.
A tireless runner, prolific ball-winner and accurate kick, the No.4 NAB AFL Draft pick seems to have most boxes ticked, and he's displayed his full skill-set evenly throughout an impressive pre-season campaign.
The 18-year-old has plenty of time to develop a skill that stands out above the rest, but for now he's happy striving to do everything at a consistently high level.
"I'd like to have a few standout traits, but if you do everything well you can't be too disappointed with that," he told afl.com.au.
"I guess I win a lot of the ball and use the ball pretty well, so that's the main thing.
"I'd want to be a bit more explosive, go for a few more runs and take the game on, take a few bounces. That's probably an area I'll look to improve this year.
"I want to be a high-impact player."
Gaff's engine is set to be an asset for West Coast on the Patersons Stadium expanses this season, with the young midfielder already sitting among the club's top four runners.
"It's definitely been one of my main strengths, to run out a four-quarter game," he said.
"When everyone else is tired I pride myself on running hard to the end.
"I've obviously worked pretty hard on it through my junior years, it's sort of genetic as well I suppose.
"There's guys like (Chris) Masten, (Bradd) Dalziell and (Tim) Houlihan, who are the top three [runners at West Coast] by a long way. Hopefully I can get up to their level."
It could also be said that Gaff is already among the Eagles' most skilful players, too, with his penetrating left-foot impressing at a club where kicking efficiency has been a major concern in recent seasons.
Gaff says he is working hard on improving his disposal under pressure, with Brisbane Lions Brownlow medallist Simon Black a player he is hoping to emulate.
"Being a left-footer, I'd like to use the ball as well as him," the Oakleigh Chargers product said.
"He's a consistent player that's played well for so many years. He does all the tough things."
The professional AFL environment hasn't taken much getting used to for Gaff, who represented Vic Metro at the past two NAB AFL Under-18 Championships - earning All-Australian selection in 2010 - and was a member of the AIS-AFL Academy.
He said he had worked closely with midfield coach Scott Burns and was impressed by his new teammates' determination to make amends for the wooden spoon in 2010.
"I guess when you come last, like West Coast did last year, you've obviously got to work a bit harder and become a bit fitter," he said.
"Hopefully that pays off during the season.
"For a team that didn't go that well last year they've had such a positive attitude to make amends this year."
