The benefits of a strong pre-season have barely been more evident than in the performance of West Coast forward Jamie Cripps.

The tough utility player, secured in a trade with St Kilda three years ago when he requested a return to his home state, has steadily developed and looms as a key player going forward in this young squad.

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On Saturday night against the Bulldogs, he produced arguably his best performance at AFL level with a five goal haul - his bag coming from a mix of clever improvisation, deft reading of the play and faultless set shot conversions.

Cripps was a constant menace for the Western Bulldogs defence, winning the hard ball, applying good defensive pressure and making the most of the opportunities that came his way.

One of his goals, in the third term, was a stroke of ingenuity.

After teammate Pat McGinnity had worked hard to keep the ball alive, shoveling it over the top of an approaching defender, Cripps threw the ball onto his boot mid-air to get maximum reward.

Realising time was at a premium and that he would be tackled before landing, he executed his kick while still airborne.

Who were West Coast's best three players against the Dogs? Have your say!

Cripps had 19 possessions and five marks in an enterprising display up forward.

He looms as an important part of the team structure as he also has the capacity to push through the midfield.