Breaking into the settled and experienced backline was always likely to take some time, but as he grew accustomed to West Coast’s playing style Alex Witherden grew in confidence and finished his first campaign out west strongly.

He impressed early with an assured 30-disposal effort in round five against Collingwood after replacing injured veteran Shannon Hurn before a stint out of the line-up mid-season battling groin soreness and working his way back through the WAFL.

The soon-to-be 23-year-old returned to the senior side in round 21 and ended the year with assuredness in his ball distribution and solid defensive habits.

Witherden finished the season rated elite for kicks per game (18.4) and metres gained (475.2) from nine appearances, and kicked his first goal in Eagles colours with a team-lifting bomb in the second RAC Derby. 

Standout performance: Back to the Lions’ den

You could argue either of Witherden’s debut performance in blue and gold against the Magpies or the second RAC Derby, highlighted by his long goal in the third quarter which threatened a fightback, but for all-around play it is difficult to go past the final round return to the Gabba.

He used the ball at 83 per cent efficiency from 24 disposals, was second to ex-teammate Daniel Rich for metres gained and defended well, laying an equal season-high four tackles, as West Coast fought against a flood of 61 inside 50s, only for the dam wall to break in the dying stages.

Season averages:

Disposals – 22.2

Metres gained – 475.2

Kicks – 18.4

Rebound 50s – 6.3

Intercept possessions – 5.2

2021 AFL statistical rankings:

6^th: Kicks (18.4)

9^th: Effective kicks (14.1)

9^th: Rebound 50s (6.3)