But Eagles forward Josh Kennedy said the added size has not hampered the side's ability to run.

In fact, Kennedy reports the side has returned to its pre-season posting times it was doing before the 2014 season ended.

"A few of the guys have come back a lot bigger and stronger, which has been fantastic," Kennedy said.

"And the group has still been running the same times as they were in previous years, so a lot of boys have been able to hold the weight and run the same times, which has been a positive.

"Hopefully we can hold that weight over this summer.

"It's (pre-season) pretty similar to what we did last year. I suppose last year was a lot more meetings about change of game plan and stuff like that.

"This year has been a lot more stuff on field. But in terms of the way we've trained and the way we've gone about it, it's been pretty similar."

West Coast starting 2015 where it finished last year is not that bad a thing.

The Eagles won five of their last seven home and away games in 2014, which included victories over Brisbane at the Gabba, Adelaide (Patersons), Collingwood (Patersons), Melbourne (Patersons) and the Gold Coast (Metricon).

Having spent most of the season in 11th spot and a couple of games outside the eight, the Eagles went into round 23 with a real chance of playing finals – but other results did not fall their way.

Kennedy hinted that a couple of newcomers to the West Coast squad could make the difference and see the team take that extra step next season.

"There's a few boys who have come in, and they're not training with the group at the moment, they're just making sure they're getting their body right so they can have a long year," he said.

"But I think young Damien Cavka ran 5.57; I think it was in the 2km time trial. He was pretty much out on his own doing it, so he can run and he's definitely got some skills.

"I look forward to seeing him out there.

"And young Tommy Lamb; he's going to be exciting to watch as well.

"He stayed the first week with us, and now he's with his hosties. He's a good young kid and comes from a great family.

"We've chatted a lot. He asks a lot of questions and he's really eager to find out what it takes. He's going to fit in really well."

Support for captain Hurn

Kennedy insisted he wasn't upset at missing out on the club's captaincy, saying he was even among the players who voted for new skipper Shannon Hurn.

Hurn beat Kennedy, Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis and Eric Mackenzie for the right to replace the retired Darren Glass as captain.

Kennedy will retain his role as vice-captain alongside Selwood, and the former Blue said he was stoked to see Hurn rewarded with the top job.

"It was great to see Bunga get it. I voted for him," Kennedy said.

"He's a terrific player and a terrific leader.

"His knowledge of the game is above a lot of us.

"He's going to be a fantastic leader."