Andrew Gaff Biography

Andrew Gaff is set to be an Eagle for the next four years, up till the end of 2024, after triggering a long-term contract extension with the club.

Gaff knocked back a mega offer to join North Melbourne at the end of 2018 to instead sign a two-year extension with the Eagles that also had a clause for a further four seasons.

Elliot Yeo and Jack Darling have been elevated into the Eagles' leadership group under new captain Luke Shuey.

"They're both wonderful footballers, but sometimes it takes a little bit more time, we all develop at different rates in terms of leadership," Eagles manager Craig Vozzo said.

"Jack is a quieter, one-on-one type mentor. He has a terrific knowledge of the game and is able to pass that on one-on-one through our forward line.

"Elliot has developed into one of our best players and one of the better players in the game, and is still forming his way of leadership and it's going really well."

The group has expanded from six to seven in 2020, with former captain Shannon Hurn stepping away from an official leadership role.

Shuey will be supported by vice-captains Josh Kennedy and Jeremy McGovern, with ruckman Nic Naitanui and midfielder Andrew Gaff rounding out the group.

Nine players received more than $1 million in the 2019 AFL season, with Dustin Martin and Nat Fyfe the standout earners.

It is believed Martin and Fyfe each earnt more than $1.3 million on 2019 accounts, well clear of the game's other million-dollar players headed by West Coast's Jeremy McGovern, GWS's Jeremy Cameron and Sydney's Lance Franklin.

Others in, or near, the million-dollar club include the Giants' Josh Kelly, Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury, Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield, Dog Marcus Bontempelli, Eagle Andrew Gaff, and Carlton's Patrick Cripps.

Andrew Gaff faces another year of speculation about his contract in 2020 but says he's not fazed.

The 27-year-old signed a massive six-year deal with the Eagles at the end of 2018, but it contains a clause that enables him to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year.

"It (contract talk) is part of the game now and I had it a couple of years ago as well," Gaff said.

"At the moment, it's the second week of January and footy season is quite a while away. I'm looking forward to getting fit and getting out there and that stuff will come later on."

The AFL Live Official App's Telstra Tracker shows Andrew Gaff as being the player who clocked the most metres of any player in a single game in 2020 when he ran 17.6km against Adelaide in round 10.

Andrew Brayshaw says he wasn't that bothered by Nathan Vardy's recent jibe, but he appreciates the apology put forth by West Coast.

Vardy twice yelled out Brayshaw's name in an attempt to distract teammate Andrew Gaff as the Eagles midfielder lined up for a birthday shot at goal at training.

The jibe was in reference to the incident last year when Gaff broke Brayshaw's jaw in an off-the-ball hit. Gaff said Vardy's comments were in poor taste, and apologised publicly to Brayshaw. Eagles coach Adam Simpson also made a public apology on behalf of the club.

"When I heard it (Vardy's comments) I was a little bit disappointed, but at the end of the day I've physically and emotionally moved on from it, so it didn't bother me that much," Brayshaw said.

"And to hear Andrew (Gaff), Simmo, and the whole club support me a bit, I was really appreciative of that. It didn't really bother me that much to be honest."

Dockers coach Ross Lyon says he is unimpressed that Andrew Brayshaw's name was called out by a West Coast player trying to put Andrew Gaff off a kick for goal at training.

The Eagles posted a video on their Instagram story where a teammate twice calls Brayshaw's name as Gaff lines up and misses a shot.

Gaff was suspended for eight weeks last year and missed West Coast's premiership after breaking Brayshaw's jaw and displacing teeth during the round 20 Western Derby.

"In light of how serious that injury was, and the incident, it’s really disappointing," Lyon told Channel Seven.

Andrew Gaff is best on ground in his return to AFL football, racking 35 disposals and five clearances in the Eagles' 22-point win over the Magpies at the MCG.

"We spoke to him about the love of the game, just play some footy with your mates and see how we go," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

"The synergy is always probably going to be there, it was just about Andrew's confidence. He got some footy early which was good for him."

West Coast names an unchanged leadership group for 2019, with Shannon Hurn remaining skipper for a fifth season.

Hurn will be supported by joint vice-captains Josh Kennedy and Luke Shuey for a third consecutive year.

Star ruckman Nic Naitanui, who was elevated to the group before last season, retains his position alongside Jeremy McGovern and Andrew Gaff after they turned their backs on free agency and re-signed with the Eagles last year.

Andrew Brayshaw says he has made piece with Andrew Gaff over a game of golf after the sickening punch that left him with a broken jaw and displaced teeth.

"My brother Hamish organised a little meet-up when I was back in WA. We actually played a round of golf," Brayshaw said.

"I just got to know him as a bloke a bit more. It was good to play that game."

Andrew Gaff rejects a lucrative deal from North Melbourne to stay at West Coast.

Gaff accepted a six-year offer worth about $5.5 million to remain in Perth, at the expense of a seven-year deal worth about $7.5 million to join North Melbourne as a restricted free agent.

"Andrew had a lot to consider in making what was a complex decision and we couldn’t be happier that he has recommitted to the club and his teammates," Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo said.

"At 26 years of age, we feel his best footy is still ahead of him. We look forward to Andrew continuing to build on what has been an outstanding contribution to our club."

North Melbourne footy boss Cameron Joyce says he views it as a positive that the club were so close to signing Gaff.

"a lot of clubs would have liked Andrew Gaff too," Joyce said.

"A lot probably disappeared halfway through and we were there at the end. I think we were the only ones who actually spoke to him, so that's a positive – knowing that we got so close."

Jared Polec has reportedly informed his now-former teammates Power teammates that he will be playing with Andrew Gaff at North Melbourne.

Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff and Brad Sheppard miss out on premiership glory with their West Coast teammates due to injury or suspension.

"I just feel so sad for them. They're my brothers for life still … even though they weren't out there. I still love them no matter what," Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett said of his missing teammates.

An emotional Gaff described what he was going through.

"It's obviously so tough for the few of us that can't play and want to be out there," Gaff told reporters after the game.

"It's been really hard. It's really hard at the moment and we'll be OK, but it's just very bittersweet at the moment."

Andrew Gaff admits it is tough watching his teammates prepare for a Grand Final while serving an eight-match suspension for striking Andrew Brayshaw.

"I played in 2015, and whilst it was a great experience we didn't have the result we wanted to," Gaff said.

"You pride yourself on making the most of the opportunity next time it comes around and I won't be out there.

"But I've got no one else to blame but myself. And seeing the boys all excited leaving today is hard."

Andrew Gaff remains undecided on his future, according to his manager Paul Connors.

"I will say that money won't be a factor. West Coast is a great club. Gaffy has had the perfect storm in a way, he's gone through the worst month of his life," Connors said.

"If anyone knows Andrew, he takes his time to think about things."

Andrew Gaff will remain in Melbourne indefinitely to be with his family after his father underwent heart surgery.

"Our full support is behind Andrew and his family. He's in Melbourne at the moment, he'll stay there to be with his family," West Coast coach Adam Simpson said.

Andrew Brayshaw says he has forgiven Andrew Gaff, and revealed he might lose five teeth from the West Coast midfielder's crude hit during the Western Derby.

Brayshaw said his brother Hamish Brayshaw, who has developed a close friendship with Gaff after being drafted by West Coast last year, helped convince him Gaff's blow was out of character.

"The action itself is horrific," an emotional Brayshaw told Channel Seven.

"But the person that Andrew Gaff is, I forgive him and I'm not going to hold a grudge against him as a person.

"Hamish told me that out of all the people he knows, and all the people in the AFL, Andrew Gaff would be the last person to do it.

"(A) good bloke has made a bad mistake."

Andrew Brayshaw's father Mark has spoken with Andrew Gaff's parents in the fallout from the brutal injury suffered by their 18-year-old son.

Mark revealed he and his wife had accepted an apology from Gaff's family.

"Craig (Gaff) rang me and left a message. I called him back straight away. We had a really good chat," Mark Brayshaw told SEN Radio.

"He apologised, and I said, 'It's not really for me to accept it, but both of us, Debra and I, accept your apology.

"'Please, in amongst all your considerations, don't worry about us'. I said, 'I wish I could shake your hand and have a beer about it in person'."

Angus Brayshaw is scathing when asked of his opinion of Andrew Gaff's vicious strike to the face of his brother, Andrew Brayshaw.

"If this has happened at a nightclub or on the streets, it's an assault," Angus said.

"I'm not a lawyer … but you could probably get in jail for something like this, I would imagine. The one-punch thing has been a huge campaign."

Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas says Andrew Gaff's wellbeing needs to be considered in the fallout from the West Coast star's ugly hit on Fremantle youngster Andrew Brayshaw.

Jonas has been there himself, having been handed a six-game suspension for striking Gaff in round nine, 2016.

"If you do the crime, there's going to be repercussions, but at the same time, you've probably got to take into account the mental health of the person that does it because he's still a human being," Jonas said.

"He'd be taking it pretty hard, as he probably should, but it will get dealt with in due course and both parties will come back from it and still be good footballers."

Andrew Gaff's season is over, with the West Coast star to serve the joint-longest AFL suspension this century after he was banned for eight matches for his punch on Andrew Brayshaw.

Gaff had pleaded guilty to the crude off-the-ball strike that left his 18-year-old opponent with a fractured jaw and four displaced teeth.

However, a "devastated" Gaff told the Tribunal that it was his intention to strike Brayshaw in the chest after a tense examination period that lasted for almost an hour.

"First of all, I just want to say I'm so, so sorry for Andrew and the Brayshaw family and the pain I've caused them over the last 48 hours," Gaff said after his hearing.

"I respect the Brayshaw boys so much and the way they go about it.

"I own my actions and it really hurts a lot. The last 48 hours have probably been the toughest couple of days of my life. The people that I've spoken to know the world of pain I'm in and how much I'm suffering.

"I see myself as a caring, gentle and measured person. That's why it's disappointing.

"I'm disappointed for Andrew, I'm disappointed in myself, I'm disappointed to let my teammates down at an important time of the year and I'm disappointed to let my supporters down as well.

"For the time being, I'm going to surround myself with my friends and family and those who care for me most. But once again, I just want to apologise wholeheartedly to Andrew and I hope he gets better soon."

Andrew Brayshaw will not play again this season and will not be able to eat solid food for a month following surgery on his jaw as a result of the off-the-ball punch delivered by Eagle Andrew Gaff.

The Dockers have been left seething by the Gaff hit, with Brayshaw – pick No.2 in last year's NAB AFL Draft – having an operation to repair his broken jaw and have three displaced lower teeth put back in place and splinted.

Brayshaw is now recovering at home with his parents Debra and Mark.

West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett dismisses calls for Andrew Gaff to face criminal charges after his off-the-ball strike left Fremantle youngster Andy Brayshaw with a broken jaw and displaced teeth.

"Some of those inflammatory comments by some people just are unwarranted, because everyone knows we've got a process in the AFL and the club will take the process to the Tribunal," Nisbett said.

"The AFL will deal with it. The player will get the penalty that the AFL Tribunal deems as deserved in this case."

Nisbett and coach Adam Simpson have spoken to Brayshaw's father Mark, the AFL Coaches' Association boss, and the family accepted the club's apology.

"As a club, obviously we're very disappointed at the incident. We take full ownership of the incident, as does Andrew," Nisbett said.

"Gaffy's not in great shape himself, but we understand the incident happened and we are fully apologetic to Andrew Brayshaw and the family and the Fremantle Football Club for the incident."

As expected, Andrew Gaff is referred directly to the AFL Tribunal for his crude punch on Fremantle youngster Andrew Brayshaw.

Match Review Officer Michael Christian unsurprisingly graded the off-the-ball strike as intentional conduct with severe impact to the head.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson insists Andrew Gaff did not intend to strike Andrew Brayshaw in the head, but in the chest.

"Hand on heart, knowing Andrew and speaking to him post-game, he legitimately said to me he didn't mean to hit him in the head," Simpson said.

"I think about 30 seconds before he hit him in the chest and I think he tried to do the same thing and he got it horribly wrong.

"Andrew's devastated, he's really disappointed in himself. He's let himself down and the club. But he's not the victim, of course, we know that. Our thoughts are with Andrew Brayshaw."

Andrew Gaff's Brownlow Medal hopes appear dashed and his season is in doubt over a brutal off-the-ball hit on Andrew Brayshaw.

The strike left the 18-year-old Docker lying on the grass with a bloodied mouth in the third quarter of Sunday's Western Derby at Optus Stadium.

He was taken to hospital with a 'fractured jaw and four displaced teeth', according to Dockers coach Ross Lyon.

Gaff is likely to be sent straight to the Tribunal, facing a minimum of three weeks on the sidelines.

Speaking to Fox Footy post-match, Gaff was remorseful and prepared to cop his penalty.

"I just want to apologise to Andy. I feel sick. I did the wrong thing and it doesn't indicate my character and my main thought is how he is," Gaff said.

"What happened, happened, but my only thought is how Andy is and what will happen (to me) will happen."

Dockers coach Ross Lyon says he had to calm his players down after they wanted retribution following West Coast onballer Andrew Gaff's off-the-ball strike on Dockers young gun Andrew Brayshaw.

Lyon was emotional during his post-match press conference on Sunday, describing the scenes in the rooms as Brayshaw's mother, Debbie, broke down in tears.

"Andrew Brayshaw was king-hit 100m off the ball. He's got a fractured jaw and four displaced teeth that are caved in, and he'll be undergoing surgery tonight," Lyon said post-match.

"I think it's self-evident (what my thoughts on the incident are). I've got an 18-year-old kid that I saw in a real mess when I came down to the rooms and his mum in tears as I was walking in.

"He was pretty distraught. I gave him a hug. It's hard to keep the emotion back yourself. To see his mum, it's pretty tough.

"It's a tough enough business as it is. It's a pretty significant moment I would've thought. Our No.2 pick won't play again this year, I wouldn't have thought."

West Coast coach Adam Simpson defends Andrew Gaff, questioning whether the midfielder’s brutal hit on Andrew Brayshaw was intentional.

"One thing I do know is Andrew's character and who he is as a person and as a player can't be questioned," Simpson said.

"Obviously he's very emotional and his thoughts are with the Brayshaw family. He's quite remorseful and his character can't be questioned."

St Kilda confirms its interest in out-of-contract Eagle Andrew Gaff who is averaging career-high numbers for disposals (31), contested possessions (9) and goals (0.7) in 2018.

"I think every Victorian club has enquired about Gaff. We've been on record saying we're going to be as aggressive as we can in the trade and free agency markets," Saints football manager Simon Lethlean said.

"We're certainly interested in all good players that can come and add to the St Kilda on-field and off-field standards and Gaff's certainly a great player."

West Coast launches huge play to keep restricted free agent Andrew Gaff at the Eagles for life, with the club prepared to offer a six-year deal.

The restricted free agent has been the target of interest from multiple Victorian clubs, but the multi-million dollar deal would keep the All Australian at the Eagles until the end of the 2024 season.

Nic Naitanui is promoted to the Eagles' leadership group for 2018.

"I think having the past year off has really improved my leadership," Naitanui said.

"Obviously not being able to have an impact on the field, I’ve had to find different avenues.

"Finding some stuff off-field with some of the players has really built my leadership over the past couple of months and year in particular."

Jeremy McGovern and Andrew Gaff have retained their positions supporting skipper Shannon Hurn, plus deputies Luke Shuey and Josh Kennedy.

West Coast has shut down suggestions wingman Andrew Gaff could be on the trade table.

Speculation has swirled for weeks that the Victorian, who is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of 2018, might be lured back home this off-season.

"We, Andrew and his management have all been surprised with the speculation, it has no merit and it isn't something either party has or will consider," West Coast football manager Craig Vozzo said.

Andrew Gaff wants to be a more damaging player in 2017 by being deadlier around goals.

"I might spend a little bit more time up forward this year just to keep dangerous," Gaff said.

"To be a goalkicking midfielder is something most midfielders in the comp strive for."

Shannon Hurn will captain West Coast for a third straight year in 2017, while former Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell will provide support as a member of the leadership group.

Dynamic midfielder Luke Shuey has been elevated to co-vice captain alongside dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy.

Star duo Jeremy McGovern and Andrew Gaff have also been added to the leadership group with Eric Mackenzie, who was the club's best and fairest in 2014 before requiring a knee reconstruction early the following year, the only omission from last year's group.

Matt Priddis rounds out the seven-man group, which was decided by a player vote, before being ticked off by the football department and then the board.

"Shannon Hurn has been a terrific leader since his appointment as captain three years ago and he has great respect from his teammates," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

"Over the last couple of years Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Jeremy McGovern have certainly grown within the group and it has been reflected in the player vote.

"Clearly Josh Kennedy and Matt Priddis have been outstanding leaders for a long time and to have someone of Sam Mitchell's calibre at our disposal will be invaluable."

Luke Shuey caps off his best season at AFL level by claiming his first John Worsfold Medal as West Coast's club champion.

Shuey finished 11 votes clear of Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy and 17 votes clear of last year's winner Andrew Gaff.

"I'm speechless, really. I really don't know what to say," Shuey said.

"I'm so humbled to win this award for a couple of reasons. One, it's named in honour of a club legend who I was privileged enough to play under for five years in Woosha. But two, to win this amongst the calibre of guys I play with, particularly these four, who I look up to and idolise every week."

Andrew Gaff has signed a new two-year deal with West Coast that will keep him at the club until the end of 2018.

"It's an exciting time for the club," Gaff said.

"There are a lot of guys around my age as well as some senior players who are playing some great football, so we're in pretty good shape. That's just one of the reasons I've re-signed.

"The club has really looked after me since I arrived as an 18-year-old and I have really enjoyed it here."

Tom Jonas is handed a six-match ban for striking Andrew Gaff after the decision to challenge his charge failed at the Tribunal.

Jonas received the equal-largest suspension since Dean Solomon was handed an eight-match ban for striking Geelong captain Cameron Ling in 2008.

Jonas chose to argue his case and sought to have the intent downgraded from intentional to careless.

His decision to challenge elements of the charge cost the defender his right to a one-match discount for an early guilty plea.

As he left the hearing room, Jonas said he would not seek to challenge the ban.

"I caused an injury to Andrew and let's not forget that … it's good that he's OK," Jonas said.

"The jury found that what I did was a six-week penalty and I accept that."

Tom Jonas says he regrets his late hit on Andrew Gaff and he will accept any punishment that comes his way.

The defender took the unusual step of speaking pre-emptively, telling an Adelaide media conference that he had contacted Gaff via text message and the Eagles midfielder had accepted his apology.

"Firstly I want to say how extremely remorseful and disappointed I am with the incident that occurred on Saturday night," Jonas said.

"You never like to injure or see another player injured in our game and that's not in the spirit of the game.

"I contacted Andrew straight after the game and he was good enough to accept my apology.

"I'll receive a sanction and I'll cop whatever comes my way and learn from it … hopefully I'm not going to be remembered for that."

Nic Naitanui doesn't want the AFL to introduce a send-off rule despite watching his teammate Andrew Gaff get knocked unconscious by the Power's Tom Jonas over the weekend.

Umpires coach Hayden Kennedy had said that the umpires would be happy to hand out red cards if the AFL rules called for it, but Naitanui doesn't want to see the rule introduced.

"I don't think guys are doing anything too bad that warrants getting sent off," Naitanui said.

"I don't think it's in anyone's character. You don't have guys these days growing up to do that purposely.

"It was a late hit (on Gaff), and not something you want to see. But I'm sure the Match Review Panel will deal with it.

"I think it's probably worse that you stay on the field when you do something like that - because you feel pretty bad."

As expected, Tom Jonas is sent straight to the Tribunal for his crude hit on West Coast midfielder Andrew Gaff.

Peter Jonas will almost certainly be sent straight to the Tribunal for his crude late hit on West Coast midfielder Andrew Gaff, which left the midfielder knocked out in the Power's match at Adelaide Oval.

The Power defender's hit will be assessed and graded by the Match Review Panel on Monday, but if it is deemed to have made severe impact it will be sent to the Tribunal.

It would be a shock if the MRP were to give the forearm strike to the back of Gaff's head anything but the highest grading for impact.

Andrew Gaff says he would love to be an Eagle for life.

Gaff comes out of contract at the end of this season after signing a two-year extension in 2014, and his management and the club are already in negotiations on his next contract.

"The club has been fantastic to me, I've loved it ever since I came here five or six years ago. We've got a great bunch of guys at the moment and a great list," Gaff said.

"You can see the build of the team each year with so many young guys coming through. I love it here."

Robbie Gray will be one of six AFL Players flying to take part in an innovative Gatorade testing program to improve player hydration.

Joining Gray will be Hawthorn's Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall, Western Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer, Geelong defender Harry Taylor, West Coast's best and fairest winner Andrew Gaff and Power assistant coach Matthew Nicks.

Andrew Gaff claims his first best and fairest award, pipping last year's Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis for the 2015 John Worsfold medal.

West Coast's three All Australians, Gaff, Priddis and Josh Kennedy finished first, second and third respectively.

Gaff polled 210 votes to win by just four votes from Priddis, who finished runner-up for the fourth time in his career and second year running.

"It's something you play for, to play well in the big games but it doesn't mean too much really," Gaff said.

"Being the best player in the Grand Final when we got flogged doesn't mean too much. We want to get back to that spot next year and hopefully make a better fist of it."

Gaff is set to play his 100th game this week against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. It will also be his 94th consecutive match, the best active streak in the League following Drew Petrie's suspension this week.

The 23-year-old is in the form of his life. He's averaging 29 disposals this year and sits equal third behind Nat Fyfe and Dan Hannebery in the AFL Coaches' Association award after 15 rounds.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said last week that Gaff was almost impossible to tag right now.

Gaff credited Eagles assistant coach Brady Rawlings with teaching him how to work through any attention he receives from opposition midifelders.

"Playing as a tagger himself, he's given me a lot of feedback and a lot of advice to cope around that stuff," Gaff said.

"Because no doubt in my first couple of years I struggled to get over it and it was tough to get around."

Andrew Gaff signs a new deal with West Coast.

"It's an exciting time at the footy club and I want to be a part of what we can see on the horizon," Gaff told the Eagles website.

"We have had a lot of senior players retire in the last two seasons, so the onus is on the young guys to take the club back into finals where we can have an impact."

Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett says the club will be aggressive in keeping out of contract youngster Andrew Gaff at the club.

"No chance," Nisbett said about the possibility of trading Gaff.

"We want 'Gaffy' to play with West Coast. Hopefully he'll play his career here. He's a terrific player."

Nic Naitanui celebrates his 100th game in style, with 22 disposals (16 contested), 34 hit-outs, six clearances and six tackles in a 3-point win over Gold Coast.

"You can see when he's free of all those niggles in the body just what he can do," teammate Andrew Gaff said.

"In the first half, he set it on fire. It was a big reason why we were so far in front."

Victorian Andrew Gaff says he is keen to start talks with Eagles regarding a contract extension with the club.

"I'm definitely keen to get it underway and my manager's working closely with guys at the club who are looking after that," Gaff said.

"All is going well and I love the club."

Talented midfielder Andrew Gaff has re-committed to West Coast, signing a two-year contract extension.

"The last 12-18 months, since joining the club, have been great for me and I have enjoyed every minute of it," Gaff said.

"I wanted to extend my contract and to get that done at this early stage of the season allows me to concentrate on playing good footy.

"We are confident we are building towards something special I want to be a part of that."

Andrew Gaff's management has begun contract talks with West Coast, scotching rumours of a return to Victoria.

"I'm loving the Eagles at the moment and my manager's going through talks at the moment," Gaff said.

"I'm just focusing on playing football. They'll work through that and I'll focus on playing football.

"I'm not sure where that (homesick) rumour comes from. I'm feeling awesome at the moment, no dramas at all. That's the most important thing."

West Coast midfielder Andrew Gaff becomes the 2011 Round 19 NAB rising star nominee after tallying 31 disposals against the Bulldogs.

"I've been able to run out full games whereas some guys might not be able to in their first year," Gaff said.

"I think playing the first few games as a sub probably has really helped me in the later run this year."

Andrew Gaff makes his AFL debut for West Coast with 14 disposals (9 kicks and 5 handballs), 4 marks and a tackle in a 4-point win over North Melbourne.

West Coast will find that pick Andrew Gaff ticks all the boxes when he makes his NAB Cup debut next Sunday.

"I guess I win a lot of the ball and use the ball pretty well, so that's the main thing," Gaff said.

"I'd want to be a bit more explosive, go for a few more runs and take the game on, take a few bounces. That's probably an area I'll look to improve this year."

First-round draft pick Andrew Gaff has followed Chris Mainwaring and Chris Judd into West Coast's famous No. 3 guernsey.

"I am following some great players into the number and it would be great to emulate their on-field feats with a premiership," Gaff said.