FOR THREE years, Jack Darling has borne the brunt of West Coast's 2015 Grand Final failure.

Despite being far from the only Eagle below their best in a 46-point loss to Hawthorn, the gifted forward's spilled chest mark and fumbled recovery attempt when West Coast was mounting something of a charge in the third quarter has symbolised a dark day for the club. 

It took some time for Darling to move on, but the maturing 26-year-old, now a father and expecting a second child in January, insists the memory doesn't burn inside him ahead of his redemption shot against Collingwood.  

"Maybe a little bit back in '15 and the start of '16 (it did)," Darling told AFL.com.au this week.

"Since then I haven't really looked back and halfway through last year I've really known what I've had to do to play good, consistent footy."

Fatherhood has been an escape for Darling, who has greater clarity in his life since son Max's arrival last June, and the 47-goal tall forward was in career-best form in the first half of this year. 

But mindfulness and meditation – which has calmed Chris Masten's head noise as he turned his career around - also helped some Eagles, including Darling, process 2015 and move on. 

"It's not really forced on us. There's sessions if you want to do it. I've been to a few and just picking my times when you need it," he said.  

"I'm sure it's helped the boys a bit."

While Darling became the poster boy for the Hawks debacle, he hasn't been alone in reliving that performance this week ahead of West Coast's bid to break a 12-year flag drought – the equal-longest in club history.

Elliot Yeo has been constantly reminded of his five-possession, one-goal shocker and vowed to make amends.

Star spearhead Josh Kennedy also hasn't escaped scrutiny. Entering the Hawks clash he was at the peak of his powers after booting 80.55 for the season, but was held scoreless by James Frawley. 

Frawley's Kennedy assassination was aided by reckless, some might say panicked, ball use.

Josh Kennedy also had a shocker in the 2015 decider. Picture: AFL Photos

After Luke Shuey booted the opening goal after two minutes, the Eagles were blown away by nine unanswered goals and managed just 40 inside 50s for the match.

Starved of supply, dual Coleman medallist Kennedy scraped together three touches to three-quarter time.

It was the last time he failed to trouble the scorers and, against Collingwood, the 31-year-old's performance could be the difference between retiring a premiership player or walking away from the game without the ultimate prize.

His long-time sidekick Mark LeCras, uncontracted beyond this season, is also likely facing his last chance at a flag.   

LeCras returned 1.2 back in 2015, spraying shots in the third and fourth quarters the normally-reliable sharpshooter needed to kick. 

The 32-year-old is one of 12 survivors from that nightmare day who will have the football world watching to see how they handle the occasion a second time around.

"That's the big question, isn't it," 2006 Norm Smith medallist Andrew Embley told AFL.com.au. 

"I think deep down those guys who played in 2015, it still burns."  

Embley readily admits the vast majority of the Eagles' team – apart from best-on-ground Chris Judd - didn’t stand up in a gripping four-point loss to Sydney in 2005.

That squad was good enough to redeem themselves the following season against the Swans, and Embley believed this group of Eagles must realise it is now or, potentially, never.

"It's about taking your moment, standing up and trying not to think too much about 2015, but understand how much it does hurt and here's your chance to rectify it," Embley said.

"Sometimes you never get another opportunity, so this is it." 

WEST COAST'S 12 SURVIVORS FROM THE 2015 GRAND FINAL

Jamie Cripps – 15 disposals but minimal impact and failed to kick a goal, registering a solitary behind. Has enjoyed a career-best campaign this year, slotting 37 majors and again leading the AFL for tackles inside 50. 

Jack Darling – Booted 1.1 and had four clangers from 10 disposals. His infamous dropped chest mark in the third quarter was rebounded all the way back for Ryan Schoenmakers to ice the game for Hawthorn.

Josh Kennedy – The Eagles aren't as reliant as they were in 2015 on Kennedy, who had nine touches on Frawley, to kick bags but he will still hold the key to victory. Booted four first-half goals in the preliminary final thumping of Melbourne and 2.4 against Collingwood as he threatened to break the game open in the qualifying final.

Mark LeCras – Had 16 touches and scored 1.2 three years ago but is one of many who will remember the game for all the wrong reasons. Was in the gun last year and retirement loomed but has 32 goals for the season – his 10th haul of at least 30 in a year – and three in the preliminary final should boost his confidence.

Shannon Hurn – Was a first-year captain in 2015 and has learnt plenty about gameday leadership since then. Had 14 touches against the Hawks but the superboot only used the ball at 64 per cent efficiency.  

Mark Hutchings – Ran down by Cyril Rioli in another unforgettable image from 2015 but generally toiled hard for 21 touches and a goal. Looming job on Steele Sidebottom will be critical.

Chris Masten – Worked into the contest last time and wasn't the worst with 20 disposals but the game was gone before he had an impact. His run on the MCG expanses shapes as a key to West Coast's forwards receiving enough supply.   

Jeremy McGovern – Was publicly caned for offering a hand to help Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge to his feet at three-quarter time in 2015. Took four marks – all contested – and finished with two late goals. Battling a sore hip and the star intercept marking defender's freedom of movement will be under the microscope against the Pies.

Will Schofield – Under siege in 2015 and struggled with the amount and quality of incoming ball. Could be a match-up for Pies danger man Jordan De Goey.  

Dom Sheed – Was the youngest man on the field at 20 years of age. Had only 11 disposals but will be much better for the experience and will need to continue his excellent finals form for the Eagles midfield to compete on Saturday.

Luke Shuey – One of the few who could hold his head high after 2015. Kicked the opening goal and battled hard all day before finishing with 26 touches, 13 contested possessions and six clearances. Could be targeted by Levi Greenwood.  

Elliot Yeo – Has used his 2015 nightmare for motivation and became an All Australian half-back last season, before morphing into a big-bodied, dynamic midfielder this year. Has vowed to get redemption and his pace and aggression will worry the Pies.