Duff and Quarters: The return of West Coast’s ‘brand’ and their forward line of the future

Saturday’s bounce-back win for West Coast saw the re-emergence of the Eagles’ brand and perhaps a blueprint for their forward line of the future.

The West Australian’s chief footy writer Mark Duffield and The Sunday Times Glen Quartermain analysed the 34-point win over Sydney on this week’s episode of The Duff and Quarters Podcast and pointed to a return to form from midfielder Elliot Yeo as the catalyst for the effort.

“Let’s not underestimate the influence of Elliot Yeo, for me he’s their most important player,” Quartermain said.

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“He goes two ways and he’s the barometer for West Coast and look what happens when he performs.

“West Coast play Adelaide this week, they come out of the hub 3-3 and well, strap yourself in and they are a chance.”

Just as satisfying were strong performances from youngster forwards Oscar Allen and Jake Waterman.

Both have been unable to maintain a spot in the team’s forward half with senior key talls like Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling producing consistently each year.

The weekend saw the pair spark a comeback for West Coast in the second quarter combining for 5 goals against the Swans while Kennedy failed to kick a major.

“We’re seeing perhaps a template for the future for West Coast but I’d like to see Waterman stay in that side,” Quartermain said.

“I think he gives them not just a presence but the ability to run back and forward.”

“Jake Waterman is selfless and that makes him very valuable,” Duffield responded.

“They just need to keep going with Allen. There will be days where he will hurt them. Like the derby in round seven when Allen could find himself rucking against a 206 cm Rory Lobb, but they just have to go with that.

“Naitanui and Hickey hasn’t worked for them, their best combination is Naitanui and someone that can play forward (like Allen).

Nic Nat plus Allen is the way to go and challenge Nic Nat to play a little longer.