The Eagles are the enigma of the 2022 AFL season, entering the new year with one of the oldest lists despite finishing outside of the top eight in their previous campaign.
West Coast have also had to move the magnets around within their pre-season, with Brad Sheppard having called time on his career, while the future of Jack Darling remains up in the air.
Despite these list setbacks, the Eagles have been able to add some exciting young talent to their squad across the past several off-seasons, some of whom were deployed into Adam Simpson's side last year.
With injuries a major catalyst in their 2021 downfall, it is hard to mark just how strong the Eagles' finals chances are for the year ahead.
With this in mind, we've looked to identify their best side for the 2022 season.
INS: Rhett Bazzo, Campbell Chesser, Greg Clark, Brady Hough, Sam Petrevski-Seton (Carlton Blues), Jack Williams
OUTS: Brendon Ah Chee (delisted), Brayden Ainsworth (delisted), Jarrod Brander (GWS Giants), Will Collins (delisted), Mark Hutchings (delisted), Ben Johnson (delisted), Brad Sheppard (retired), Nathan Vardy (delisted), Daniel Venables (retired)
The Eagles' defensive stocks took a hit in the off-season with the retirement of veteran Brad Sheppard following an ongoing battle with concussion.
West Coast's rearguard does have the depth to remain competitive though, with Liam Duggan, Alex Witherden, Shannon Hurn, Josh Rotham, Tom Cole and Jackson Nelson all set to feature in Simpson's defence this season.
The Eagles were also able to add youth to their back third, with midfielder Campbell Chesser a likely chance to begin his career through defence.
Western Australian draftee Rhett Bazzo is another new face that is set to share his workload down back, with the key-position teenager able to play at either end of the ground.
The top spots of the Eagles' defensive pecking order will continue to be held by Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barass, who combine to become one of the most stingy duos in the league.
Recruit Sam Petrevski-Seton could also be utilised through the backline, while Harry Edwards showed promise in his 10 appearances last season.
The Eagles' engine room is overflowing with talent, however injuries have placed some strain on their best central cohort having had time to combine at senior level.
Skipper Luke Shuey was limited to just the seven matches in 2021, while Elliot Yeo also endured a heavily-interrupted campaign.
The pair add to a star-studded list of ball-winners at the club, with Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed, Tim Kelly and Jack Redden combining to supply plenty of firepower through the middle.
The aforementioned Petrevski-Seton is also set to get a run through the middle, while Luke Edwards impressed in his debut season last year.
Mature-aged draftee Greg Clark will be coming to see a seamless transition between the WAFL and AFL, having claimed best afield honours in Subiaco's grand final victory last season.
One of the state's best midfielders, Clark could have an immediate impact on the competition in 2022.
As far as ruckmen, veteran tall Nic Naitanui will be looking to back up his best and fairest and All-Australian 2021 season, and will gain support from the inexperienced Bailey Williams.
The looming question ahead of Round 1 surrounds the playing future of premiership key-forward Jack Darling, who has chosen not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Given the first deadline of the players' vaccine mandate has passed and Darling is therefore unable to train and play with the Eagles for the foreseeable future, we have decided to keep him out of this experiment.
Darling's absence leaves a sizeable hole in Simpson's attacking third, however it is one the club is able to fill with some ease.
Young tall Oscar Allen hasn't been able to define his role in the Eagles' system, having played in defence, ruck and more commonly, forward. With Darling out, Allen firms as the obvious option to pair with veteran sharpshooter Josh Kennedy in attack.
Fringe forward Jake Waterman is also able to take on a role as a target forward, while Williams can add height in the Eagles' forward third.
At ground level, West Coast possess one of the most lethal small forward contingents, with Liam Ryan, Jamie Cripps and Willie Rioli all set to play key roles in front of goal.
Rioli is set to return for his first match since the end of the 2019 season, while Ryan will continue his stance as one of the best small forward's in the AFL.
The Eagles' depth is bolstered by the pacey Jack Petrucelle, while Zac Langdon, Isiah Winder, Jamaine Jones and draftee Jack Williams will also fight for a place in the best 22.
FB: Shannon Hurn, Tom Barass, Alex Witherden
HB: Liam Duggan, Jeremy McGovern, Josh Rotham
C: Andrew Gaff, Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed
HF: Jamie Cripps, Oscar Allen, Jack Redden
FF: Liam Ryan, Josh Kennedy, Willie Rioli
FOL: Nic Naitanui, Tim Kelly, Luke Shuey
I/C: Jake Waterman, Luke Edwards, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Tom Cole
EMERG: Greg Clark, Harry Edwards, Bailey Williams, Jack Petrucelle