The club:
Formed: 1986
Joined AFL: 1987
Premierships: 3 – 1992, 1994, 2006
Last finals appearance: 2006, grand final

2007 to date:
There has been plenty of controversy – namely, Cousins’ club-imposed suspension and stint in rehab and Daniel Kerr’s troubles with the law – but also more than a few wins. Despite losing four of their past six games, the Eagles are 9-4 and well-positioned for another tilt at the flag. Beltings of Melbourne and the Kangaroos have underlined West Coast’s class.

The coach:
John Worsfold was known as the ‘smiling assassin’ in his playing days; as a coach, he’s probably better described as just the ‘assassin’. Notoriously stingy with his comments in press conferences, the two-time premiership captain invariably turns out a super-fit side that is as disciplined and committed as it is talented. Has 84 wins from his 133 games in charge.

Missing in action:
Until this week, ex-skipper Cousins was the No.1 entry in this category. But the Brownlow medallist and six-time All-Australian is back in the fold after the club-imposed suspension was lifted. The rumour mill suggests he may even be selected for Saturday night’s game. Judd (groin), Daniel Chick (ear infection) and Tyson Stenglein (knee) missed the weekend win over Adelaide, but all could push for a return this week. That would leave Ashley Hansen (finger – three weeks) as the only big-name absentee.

The gun:
With all due respect to Sydney’s Adam Goodes, Judd is the competition’s best player. Extraordinarily quick, powerful and blessed with an uncanny instinct for evading and breaking tackles, he also finishes – evidenced by 131 goals in 126 games. Judd was well held by the Lions in Round 20 last year at the Gabba, but he kicked four goals and picked up three Brownlow votes when the two sides met earlier in the season at Subiaco.

The bolter:
It’s unlikely that another player like Judd will bob up in the near future, but Eagles youngster Shannon Hurn shares some traits with his captain. Looking far older than his 19 years, the mature-bodied Hurn has become a regular in 2007, catching the eye with his composed play and a kick like an agitated mule.

Strengths:
Where do you start!? The Eagles have the best ruckman (Dean Cox) and the best onballer (Chris Judd) in the AFL. Throw in Daniel Kerr when he is on song and the best two onballers going around might be wearing blue-and-yellow. Darren Glass is the reigning All-Australian full-back and the remainder of the supporting cast isn’t half bad – Michael Braun, Chick, Andrew Embley, Chad Fletcher, Adam Hunter, Stenglein and David Wirrpanda. And then there’s Cousins, who hasn’t played since the pre-season but is a footballer’s footballer (on the field, at least).

Weaknesses:
West Coast isn’t likely to admit it, but the Cousins saga must have had some adverse effect on his teammates. The Eagles rarely put a foot wrong on the park, but that hasn’t always been the case away from the playing arena. From a footballing perspective, the Eagles’ biggest weakness is a lack of a recognised and established goal-kicking threat. Highly enigmatic Quinten Lynch has kicked 24 goals this year but booted eight against the Lions at the Gabba last season.

The Queensland factor:
Eagles development coach Peter Worsfold (brother of John) spent three years playing for the Brisbane Bears, but otherwise the Eagles have no discernible connection with the Sunshine State..

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club