West Coast haven't finished higher on the AFL ladder than 16th since 2021 but will be hoping to rise under new coach Andrew McQualter.
Despite losing Tom Barrass and Jack Darling, the Eagles team looks capable of finishing higher than in past years.
Will be it be a case of rapid improvement for the biggest team from the west?
The Sporting News runs the rule over the best 22 from West Coast.
MORE: AFL practice matches 2025: Fixture, results, scores for pre-season Community Series
West Coast Eagles best 22 for 2025 AFL season
| FB | Liam Baker | Harry Edwards | Brady Hough |
| HB | Liam Duggan | Jeremy McGovern | Reuben Ginbey |
| C | Jack Graham | Elliot Yeo | Jayden Hunt |
| HF | Tyler Brockman | Oscar Allen | Jamie Cripps |
| FF | Liam Ryan | Jake Waterman | Matt Owies |
| R | Matthew Flynn | Tim Kelly | Harley Reid |
| Interchange | Bailey Williams | Ryan Maric | Tom Cole |
| Jack Hutchinson | |||
| SUB | Elijah Hewett |
Analysis
It's been a rough few years for the Eagles. but the situation looks positive for new boss McQualter.
Jeremy McGovern will lead a defensive unit that has had Richmond gun Liam Baker inserted into.
Another ex-Tiger Jack Graham will improve a midfield group that will be missing Elliot Yeo through injury to start the campaign.
A fit Oscar Allen will greatly improve the Eagles attack, while Jake Waterman has come of age as a forward close to goal.
There are plenty of dangerous small forwards around the feet of the talls - Liam Ryan, Matt Owies, Jamie Cripps and Tyler Brockman can all kick goals.
Expect sharp improvement out of Harley Reid in his second season with the talent set to spend even more time in the engine room.
Notable players to miss out
Dom Sheed, Jack Petruccelle, Noah Long, Campbell Chesser, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams, Tyrell Dewar, Bo Allan
When does the 2025 AFL season start?
The 2025 AFL season will begin on Thursday, March 6 with a blockbuster between premiers Brisbane and Geelong at the Gabba.
This match will be the first of four in the 'Opening Round', which sees the AFL teams in the eastern seaboard states host the first games of the season.
Round 1 will feature the traditional 'season opener' between Carlton and Richmond on Thursday, March 13 at the MCG.