Burning questions for 2012: West Coast

Can Josh Kennedy win the Coleman?

West Coast's key tall forward certainly has the ability but it's unlikely he will see enough of the ball to knock Lance Franklin or Jack Riewoldt from top spot on the goalkicking table. Mark LeCras will take some of the forward focus from Kennedy, while ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox will also provide a tall target at times.

Unlike Richmond, Hawthorn or even St Kilda with Nick Riewoldt, West Coast has never employed a game plan that relies heavily on a single key forward under John Worsfold's coaching. Instead, they've spread the load across the forwards and goalkicking mids like Andrew Embley. The fact that Kennedy's top three hauls are the famous 10 against the Bulldogs, six against Hawthorn in 2010 and four on at least eight other occasions suggests a Coleman Medal is a long shot.

Who is the Eagles' No.1 ruck?

Ignore the hype emanating from the west about the dreadlocked superhero Nic Naitanui - Dean Cox is still the main man when it comes to the centre bounces. The pair shared ruck duties more evenly in 2011 as Naitanui developed his game awareness, allowing Cox to spend more time up forward. But Nic Nat doesn't pose the same threat as Cox does around the ground. The five-time All Australian effectively gives West Coast an extra midfielder, while Naitanui can still make some howlers that leave observers scratching their heads. Naitanui's ability to literally rove his own taps goes some way to compensating for his shortcomings but while Cox is still at full fitness, he will remain Worsfold's go-to man.

Will LeCras play more in the midfield?

Eagles senior assistant coach Scott Burns described LeCras' presence in the midfield as "icing on the cake" in 2011. It was an apt description, given West Coast's surfeit of riches in the centre. Daniel Kerr, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Andrew Embley and impressive youngster Andrew Gaff form an imposing starting five, with Chris Masten, Matt Rosa and Scott and Adam Selwood among others who can rotate through. The Eagles might not need LeCras in the midfield, but they definitely look more potent with him in there.

It all depends on whether West Coast can cope without him in the air and at ground level in the forward 50. Kennedy, Jack Darling and company should have the aerial battles covered but the Eagles have precious few crumbers. LeCras will spend more time in the middle than he has in the past, but team balance means he will still have regular stints - and even entire games - as a forward.

What do West Coast need to challenge the best?

Going on their stunning rise of 2011, not much. Some more size in the midfield wouldn't hurt but Masten, Gaff and the return of Rosa and Koby Stevens from injury should help. The Eagles could also do with a little more outside class, hence the mooted move of LeCras up the ground. He is one of their best kicks and outside Embley, the Eagles don't have too many reliable deliverers of the footy into the forward line. Finally, the composure that was occasionally lacking through the finals series will return with more experience. Shuey, for instance, won't get caught as often when he breaks forward with the footy.

There is one caveat to all this: it needs to happen quickly. Daniel Kerr, Dean Cox and Darren Glass are all in the twilight of their careers and they may not have many more seasons like 2011 left in them. If that trio can produce somewhere near their best again in 2012, and the youngsters build on their efforts, the Eagles could seriously challenge the likes of Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong late in September.

Next up: Geelong

Follow BigPond Sport on Twitter: @bigpondsport