Could 2017 be the year West Coast swingman Elliot Yeo lives up to his star potential?
Now in his sixth AFL season, the 23-year-old Yeo has shown glimpses of brilliance but struggled to build consistency since moving from Brisbane.
It's early days but there are signs that may be about to change, with Yeo among West Coast's best in their 43-point thrashing of North Melbourne.
Yeo gathered 26 touches, booted two goals and took 10 marks, most of them intercepts on the wing which allowed him to generate inside-50s.
At 190cm, he also showed an ability to play on taller forwards which should allow coach Adam Simpson the flexibility to field a smaller and more mobile backline.
For an Eagles side whose heavy dependence on stars Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff arguably cost them a deeper finals run, there was plenty to like about Yeo's performance and that of gun recruit Sam Mitchell.
But Gaff's blunt assessment after the game suggests Yeo will need to bank a few more strong showings to satisfy his teammates.
"Not that impressed. We've seen it a lot, he's just got to keep doing it more," Gaff told AAP.
"We all know what he can do. When he's up and about like he is today, he's very hard to stop.
"We need him to keep performing every week. Just finding that consistency is the main thing for him."
There were also positive signs from Yeo's former Lions teammate Jack Redden, who found himself in and out of the side in his first season with West Coast last year.
The tough midfielder gathered 22 disposals, laid eight tackles and looked more at home in the Eagles midfield.
With first-choice ruckmen Nic Naitanui (knee) and Scott Lycett (shoulder) both injured, Gaff said the likes of Yeo and Redden would need to deliver big seasons.
"We need those guys to improve," Gaff said.
"It's their challenge to not only do it round one but to do it round 20, round 23 when we're all tired. That's the challenge for everyone but it's a pleasing start today."
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