As AFL clubs enjoy the mid-season bye and list managers turn to 2018, we take a daily look at one club and how it's performed so far - and what to expect from here.
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WEST COAST EAGLES
Pre-season expectations:
After 2015's grand final loss and 2016's surprise elimination final defeat to eventual premiers the Western Bulldogs, the West Coast Eagles' 2017 expectations ranged from top four to definite finals finish. Some even tipped them as grand final and premiership contenders.
The acquisition of Sam Mitchell from Hawthorn buoyed those predictions, as did the handy additions of Drew Petrie and Nathan Vardy from North Melbourne and Geelong respectively.
The Eagles knew before the season started that Nic Naitanui would miss most of the season, if not all, after a knee reconstruction. It remains to be seen if he will play any part in 2017.
This represented probably the only significant knock on the Eagles during the 2017 pre-season, as did their always problematic away record, which you'll hear more about soon.
Record: 6-5
What's gone right:
West Coast's best period of 2017 was no doubt the three weeks comprising rounds six to eight, where they accounted for Fremantle, Port Adelaide (at Adelaide Oval) and the Western Bulldogs.
Star forward Josh Kennedy kicked 11 of his 34 goals for the season through that period, winning the Ross Glendinning Medal for best afield in the Derby with six goals.
Shannon Hurn and Andrew Gaff were important through those games too, and have been all season in the Eagles' winning efforts, while Jeremy McGovern has continued to excel with his aerial presence in the backline.
Mitchell has proven to be an astute pick up for the Eagles. While the team's midfield still lacks grunt to aid Matt Priddis, the former Hawk has added class and experience to Adam Simpson's side.
Medium-sized defender Jackson Nelson has also caught the eye in his seven games for the season. He missed rounds six to nine through injury. Elliot Yeo has been the clear stand out though.
What's gone wrong:
Away form is what the Eagles have been pilloried for, even though coach Adam Simpson and the players maintain it's not an issue.
They did beat Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval, which deserved credit, but it doesn't help that three of this season's worst performances - by any team - have come via the Eagles playing away, in particular, the meek and lacklustre losses to Hawthorn and Essendon in Melbourne. The Essendon loss in round nine at Etihad Stadium was an absolute debacle. The Eagles lost by 61 points and were made to look utterly listless by the Bombers.
Similarly, Hawthorn smashed them at the MCG by 50 points in round five, at a time when the Hawks had played some atrocious football themselves.
Apart from away form, Kennedy's round-10 calf injury is a worry, with fears that he could miss an extended run this season. The Eagles' forward line looked sub-par without him in the round-11 loss to the Gold Coast.
Standout star:
Yeo is in All-Australian form. He has been stunning for the Eagles. He is top five in the AFL for marks and is averaging just over 25 disposals per match.
He has been tried in the midfield at times but has excelled most in the backline when coming off his man to intercept a mark and propel the Eagles forward.
His best performance for the year came in the win over Freo where he had 34 disposals and 14 marks.
In the club's disappointing but narrow loss to the Gold Coast he kicked three goals, almost pulling his side over the line.
Players under the pump:
Key-forward Jack Darling is constantly criticised by Eagles fans and the media. This will come into sharper focus now Kennedy is out of the team injured. He's kicked 19 goals this year having played every game, with one bag of four against Hawthorn plus seven two-goals games.
While it's a consistent output many feel he is not living up to his potential and talent this season, his seventh in the AFL.
Mark LeCras, Josh Hill, Lewis Jetta, Sam Butler and Sharrod Wellingham have also come under fire for their output in 2017.
The run home:
Seven of West Coast's 11 remaining games are at Domain Stadium. It is an enviable run home. Their road trips are to face Western Bulldogs, Collingwood, St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney - none of them easy assignments.
At 6-5 they'll need a near-flawless run home to make the top four, but should make the finals.
