David King believes the Eagles have set themselves up for a final chance to win another premiership with their current list in 2022.
West Coast struggled to live up to their form of previous years, finishing 9th on the ladder in 2021 in the first sign their strong form might be coming to an end.
Before this season, Adam Simpson’s men had made the finals in their last six campaigns, highlighted by a breakthrough premiership in 2018.
However, many stars of that era are nearing the end of their careers.
Former captain Shannon Hurn (34) and Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy (34) likely have just one year left, while current skipper Luke Shuey (31) and All-Australian ruckman Nic Naitanui (31) aren't getting any younger.
King believes the Eagles have planned for the situation they’re in, and have given themselves “one last dance.”
“At least they are aware of their situation,” King told SEN Drive.
“I’ve heard them speaking, I’ve heard Adam Simpson talking about, ‘Okay, we’ve backed these players in,’ and why wouldn’t you? They’ve been so good.
“They’ve got one last dance, one last campaign in 2022 and they’ll pull the pin on it if it’s failing in round 10 or round 12 or round 15.
“But until it goes completely sideways, they’ll push on for that flag.”
King sees similarities between the Eagles and the Sydney Swans, who have managed to quickly rejuvenate their list after losing plenty of experience in recent off-seasons.
“Look, they’re going to have one last crack at it, and if it doesn’t work after the first five or six weeks, they won’t fight a losing fight to finish mid-table,” he said.
“They’ll do what John Longmire did with the Sydney Swans and accept (their situation) and go back to regenerate.”
The Eagles brought in Sam Petrevski-Seton during the AFL Trade Period with the hope the 23-year-old can bring a youthful spark to the club’s midfield.