Eagles flying on back of their Jack of all trades

West Coast’s Jack Darling has his ‘coming of age’ game against Richmond, according to Matthew Pavlich.

West Coast’s Jack Darling celebrates with the fans after beating Richmond at Optus Stadium on Sunday

As West Coast ran away from Richmond on Sunday night, a ­legend from the Eagles’ greatest rivals could not help but express his admiration.

Former Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich was particularly impressed by the deeds of Jack Darling in attack.

“This is really his coming-of-age game,” Pavlich said. “It is what has impressed me all season, his ability to stand up in big ­moments.”

Darling was outstanding, kicking a career-high six goals while taking 15 marks, at least half of those inside the Eagles’ forward arc against a defence renowned for being well-organised and ­miserly. As noted by David King, Pavlich’s partner in commentary for Fox Footy, “some teams don’t take eight marks inside 50 for the whole game”.

To illustrate this point, the eight marks the 25-year-old took inside the Eagles’ attacking arc were more than Adelaide (7), the Western Bulldogs (7), Hawthorn (5), Geelong (4) and the Gold Coast (1) managed on the weekend. It was a dominant performance that had some pondering whether Darling now rates among the most influential players in the game.

It is indisputable Darling and fellow key forward Josh Kennedy are proving a daunting combination for rival defences.

Since Kennedy returned in round four, the dual-Coleman Medallist has booted 18 goals.

Through the same period Darling has added 19 to take his season tally to 28 — three goals behind Coleman Medal leader Ben Brown. The West Coast pair are averaging more than six goals per game when playing together this year. And, as Andrew Gaff said yesterday, their ability to bring other teammates into the game was also important.

Darling, who told The West Australian he was “not going to drink my own bathwater”, was also credited with three scoring assists by statisticians against Richmond. “Jack and JK are working really well together,” Gaff said. “The extra work JK does off the ball has allowed Jack to get that dominance.

“Everyone sees the marks, but it’s all the other work that he’s doing, bringing the ball to ground, taking on two guys.” Darling attributed his growing leadership this year to the absence of Kennedy through the pre-season and early rounds as he recovered from lower leg and knee issues. Kennedy, a three-time All Australian, may well make the nominal representative team for a fourth straight year if he can continue his form, despite his late start to 2018.

The Eagles, who have now won eight matches in succession after a first-round loss to Sydney, have been wound in by the TAB to $6.50 for the premiership after thrashing the Tigers, who retain favouritism at $4. The obvious priorities for the Eagles through winter would be to win enough games to qualify for the eight, then book a top-four spot and, ideally, a home qualifying final. West Coast have their share of challenges interstate in the run ­towards the finals, including two games at Adelaide Oval against fellow contenders the Crows and the Power, the Swans at the SCG and the Kangaroos in Hobart.

And this Sunday at Etihad Stadium they play a Hawthorn side that’s undoubtedly very keen to respond after becoming the first club to lose to the Brisbane Lions this season.

It was not yet certain whether ­Elliot Yeo, who injured a knee early against Richmond but performed strongly when returning, will be fit to play the Hawks.

Gaff said the Eagles boasted significant belief after victories over clubs considered premiership contenders.

The Eagles’ midfielder, who becomes a restricted free agent and was being targeted by Victorian clubs, was yet to sign with West Coast but said the excitement surrounding the club was enticing.