In 2012, the West Coast Eagles ranked third in the AFL for scores from stoppages, which includes centre bounces, throw-ins and ball-ups.

A score from stoppage is credited when a player wins a clearance and then the ball is moved in an unbroken chain that results in a goal or behind.

John Worsfold’s side kicked 133.105 for a total of 903 points last season, behind only Grand Finalists Hawthorn and top four side Adelaide.

A major factor in this was the club’s imposing All Australian ruck combination of Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui, who often gave their midfielders first use of the football.

The main instigator was Matthew Priddis, with 43 Eagles’ scores (25 goals) in 2012 kicked as a result of his clearances.

The majority of these came from centre bounces and throw-ins.

Luke Shuey was not far behind, with 37 score involvements (23 goals) coming from his clearances.

Cox was only involved in four scores last season (1 goal) from centre bounces and ball-ups.

However the champion ruckman was extremely dangerous at throw-ins, with a team-high 15 scores (10 goals) resulting from his clearances.

West Coast highlighted its ability to score from stoppages in its 48-point round 9 victory over Freo in 2012.

The Eagles had 11 scores from stoppages (three goals) to Freo’s three (zero goals).

All three goals came because of clearances from the aforementioned Priddis and Shuey. The pair combined for 22 of the game’s combined 29 points scored from stoppages.

In the round 19 return bout, Freo completely turned the tables, allowing just five total (two goals) Eagles’ scores from stoppages, while having 15 (eight goals) itself.

Just two behinds were kicked because of Priddis clearances, while Shuey had donuts

For Freo, a man who was just beginning to pick up top form at that stage of the season led the way in the 65-point win.

David Mundy was responsible for three Freo goals as the team in purple spread the load.

If Freo is to be victorious in Saturday’s Carlton Mid Derby, it will have to ensure Cox, Priddis and Shuey are kept on a tight leash at the stoppages.