Glen Jakovich cautions there are no guarantees for the AFL's reigning premiers in 2019 but they deserve immense praise for the courage that delivered West Coast a fourth flag.
Jakovich was part of the Eagles' 1992 and 1994 premiership outfits while he also won four best-and-fairest awards at the club.
The gun centre half-back was at the MCG on Saturday, when the Eagles conceded the opening five goals of the grand final then bounced back to edge Collingwood by five points.
West Coast have produced some dominant forces and achieved plenty in some 32 VFL/AFL seasons, reaching seven grand finals, but are yet to go back-to-back.
"You never say it's the start of a dynasty. Never. Because you've got to earn that," Jakovich told AAP.
"Hawthorn can now say they started a dynasty. Because they played in four consecutive grand finals.
"The reality is they could finish outside the top eight next year. Not because they haven't got the talent or hunger, just because the competition is so fierce.
"There's no guarantees but what is of crucial importance is that when you get to a grand final, you've got to win them."
That didn't transpire for the Eagles in 2015, when they were hammered by Hawthorn.
More than half of that vanquished side returned to the home of football this weekend and left with a premiership medal.
"It's vindication ... 12 of them played in that horror story. They righted the wrong," Jakovich said.
"They were epic. It was a slow start but they hung in there and showed courage.
"They always believed they could win the premiership. They deserve it, they were awesome."
Jakovich was full of praise for the Eagles' defenders, who took control of the contest after a couple of costly errors during the lopsided start.
Collingwood kicked their third goal after young backman Tom Cole dropped an early chest mark before an uncharacteristic turnover from Eagles captain Shannon Hurn helped the Magpies stretch their lead further.
"Tommy Cole had a bad moment early but he picked himself off the canvas and had great moments in the second half with his intercept marking," Jakovich said.
"Character is king and he has great character.
"Tom Barrass was awesome.
"Will Schofield knew it was now or never ... he got in because Brad Sheppard (hurt his hamstring) but he didn't let Sheppard or any of his teammates down.
"Hurn, (Jeremy) McGovern. They were all strong, all had their moments."
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