It is very difficult to find many positives from West Coast's 2024 season, but now that the dust has well and truly settled, we'll try.

There's Harley Reid, who passed the hype with flying colours.

Jeremy McGovern, who, in addition to collecting his fifth All-Australian blazer was rewarded with his first John Worsfold medal at age 32.

But there is one name, and no, it isn't Jake Waterman, who should be spoken about more, according to Eagles premiership player Will Schofield.

"Brady Hough, I think he's developed into almost (All-Australian calibre)," Schofield said on Zero Hanger's 2024 Season Reviewย series.

"There's only a couple of small defenders who are a lockdown, but we didn't have one in the All-Australian side. We had Zorko, Whitfield (and Ryan).

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"Brady Hough is one of the best lockdown defenders in the league."

Hough, 21, was taken with Pick 31 in the 2021 National Draft as the club started its steep descent from finals contention to its second wooden spoon in 2023.

The lockdown defender has played 53 games for the Eagles and featured in every match this year, with Adam Simpson and caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield tasking him with the game's best small forwards.

SEE MORE: Who topped the West Coast BnF count?

Toby Greene. Willie Rioli. Tom Papley. Cody Weightman. Kysaiah Pickett.

All victims of Hough's defensive prowess.

As a result of his impressive work, the Eagles locked away the 21-year-old until the end of 2027 with a new deal, while the end-of-season awards saw Hough place in the top five of the John Worsfold medal and named as the club's best defensive player.

Schofield also didn't shy away of tipping his cap to All-Australian key forward Jake Waterman, noting one area as the biggest improvement in his game.

"Has to be Jake Waterman, even in the competition," Schofield said.

"What he was able to do (in the West Coast side)... the biggest part of his game that changed was his contested marking.

"It gives you opportunities in front of goal but makes you so valuable up the ground for the get-out-kicks as well."

The Eagles finished the season in 16th place with five wins and showed plenty of promise whilst unveiling plenty of youth.

Jack Darling and Tom Barrass are heading to Victoria to join North Melbourne and Hawthorn while Andrew Gaff (retired), Zane Trew, Jamaine Jones and Jordyn Baker have all departed the club.

West Coast currently hold Pick 3, 23 and 59 but will are urged to split the top selection.

Ideally, the Eagles would hold multiple picks in the first round given how deep the 2024 draft is looking, with plenty of young talent ready to make the leap to the AFL.