Nelson had arguably his most productive season since arriving at West Coast in 2014, playing 15 of a possible 18 games. The dogged defender achieved career-best numbers for average disposals (13.6), marks (4.1), effective disposals (10.5) and metres gained (225.7m) per game. He was incredibly durable throughout a testing campaign that saw the club play five games in 19 days at one point in the season, averaging 83.33 time on ground percentage across his 15 appearances. Nelson will undoubtedly look to build on the momentum he mustered in 2020 with another big pre-season as he attempts to further cement his spot in West Coast’s starting 22.

Standout performance: There’s no place like home

After six weeks in a Queensland hub, it was clear the Eagles – and Nelson – were happy to be back in Western Australia judging by the performance they produced against crosstown rivals Fremantle in round seven. The 24-year-old played like a man possessed in the RAC Derby, winning a season-high 23 disposals and eight marks at Optus Stadium. Nelson also accumulated five intercepts in a performance that netted him 13 John Worsfold Medal votes from the Eagles’ coaching panel, his biggest haul by quite some margin for the 2020 season.

Season averages:

Disposals: 13.6
Marks: 4.1
Intercepts: 3.2
Rebound 50s: 2.6
Tackles: 4.1
One percenters: 1.8
Score involvements: 1.5
Disposal efficiency: 77.5