The future of the West Coast Eagles is in good hands, with further evidence of the next generation emerging when Jack Darling tonight finished in fifth place in the John Worsfold Medal count.

Darling, who spent some time through the midfield, finished in the top five for the third year in succession and obviously has an important role to play in the future.

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In conjunction with Andrew Gaff, who also has a strong record in the Club Champion Award, he has a pivotal role to play in the club’s planned accent up the ladder.

The 22-year-old forward kicked three or more goals seven times, with his best hauls of four coming against the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, in a season where he tallied 39 majors.

His work, in tandem with leading goal-kicker Josh Kennedy, added some potency to the West Coast attacking division and with the capacity to mix things up with a run through the middle, he has added another dimension to his game.

Just as impressive as his scoreboard impact was his defensive pressure, where he averaged a tick under four goals a game and he also took five marks a match.