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West Coast forward Jack Darling endured one of his poorest seasons last year, but the Eagles are backing him to come good in 2024.

New West Coast captain Oscar Allen says he continues to marvel at Jack Darling's feats, describing the seasoned forward as one of the bravest players at the AFL club.

Darling was restricted to just 26 goals from 20 games last season - his lowest return since kicking 26 goals in 15 games in 2015.

But the 277-game veteran's bravery to push through injury and soreness didn't go unnoticed among his teammates.

Darling returned to the field against Gold Coast in round nine despite nursing a fractured arm, and there were numerous other games where he played through soreness to help the club during its horror injury run.

Externally, Darling is one of the most maligned players at the club, with the 31-year-old even receiving Bronx cheers at times from Eagles fans during home games.

Allen said Darling's bravery and dedication were highly valued within the team.

"Jack is such a tough footballer - he was playing games last year where other guys could comfortably miss," Allen told AAP.

"Playing as a key forward I think is one of the hardest positions to play day-to-day.

"There's no easy position on the footy field, but jumping into packs is a tough gig.

"Jack has done it so tremendously for a long period of time."

Darling has 510 career goals and needs just five more to pass second-placed Peter Sumich on West Coast's all-time list, behind Josh Kennedy's 712.

"If Jack plays every game this year, he'll crack the 300 game mark, which is an unbelievable achievement, particularly for a key forward," Allen said.

"It's something I look at and marvel ... his consistency and durability to be able to be out there every week. He's kicked over 500 goals for the football club, which is again an enormous achievement.

"Although at times he might be slightly maligned externally, he's incredibly loved and appreciated within the four walls of the footy club, and I hope our fans realise as well what a great contributor he has been."

Allen kicked a career-high 53 goals last season, and said Darling's presence helped all West Coast's forwards to improve.

"He's someone that growing up as an Eagles fan, I really idolised," Allen said.

"A lot of my game is emulated off him and Josh's game as well.

"The aura that Jack brings and the attention he receives from the opposition really allows players like myself, Jake Waterman, and Ryan Maric to get a good look up forward."

West Coast will be without players including Liam Ryan (hamstring), Elijah Wood (foot), Dom Sheed (foot) and Matt Flynn (hamstring) when their season begins against Port Adelaide on March 17.