Winning and losing; success or failure.

There might be the finest of margins between the two. In Australian football for instance, it could come down to one miserable behind.

The difference between scoring it and conceding at is a massive chasm. Ecstasy and dejection.

Over the last couple of weeks, with consecutive victories over Richmond and Fremantle, a reminder of the stark contrast between the two most likely outcomes in a game has been palpable.

When victories have been scarce it’s easy to grow accustomed to it. Just as winning can become a habit, so can losing.

While the coaching staff and players prepare to win every week fans can be a little defeatist; hoping for a competitive effort rather than dreaming to win.

When a club has won just a handful of matches in their previous 50-odd games that’s hardly a surprise that supporters become a little pre-conditioned. But when the nexus was broken against the Tigers the vibe in the Eagles community was understandably upbeat.

Following up with a triumph against Fremantle last week and the supporter base was almost delirious.

Finally they were picking up what Adam Simpson and his team were putting down. They can see reason for optimism. They can see growth, they can see a sustainable game style that will hold up against most rivals.

The tone of Eagles fans on social media platforms has changed; so has the demeanour of those coming into the club and watching open training. There is optimism.

The signs come in the simplest of forms and circumstances; dropping into the local coffee shop on the way to work on a Monday morning and the chatter, the laughter are immeasurably more animated. Footy is fun again.   

There is obviously a long way to go, but the journey has started.

Without doubt there will be bumps along the way towards the aspirational destination but the Eagles train has chugged out of the station. And on board is the future.

It has been exciting to see the evolution of the next generation as they have supplemented the class and experience of the senior group. Elliot Yeo is back, Jeremy McGovern is taking those trademark intercepts in tandem with Tom Barrass. Jayden Hunt and Jamie Cripps have provided the run and energy.

The middle tier of players, in a demographical sense, are also having an impact. Down back Liam Duggan and Tom Cole are doing their thing, Jack Petruccelle, Jake Waterman – who has been spectacular in the last fortnight – and Josh Rotham are playing their roles.

Tim Kelly is enjoying the support of Yeo in the middle while Reuben Ginbey, Harley Reid, Campbell Chesser, Bailey and Jack Williams, Brady Hough, Ryan Maric and Noah Long are building.

The excitement of Reid has been infectious, but the other youngsters have also been significant. 

It’s amazing what a little continuity can bring. Teammates playing consistently alongside each other breeds familiarity. Simple things, like Waterman or Darling knowing, rather than guessing, the kicking range of Maric.

Kelly knowing what Reid will do at a centre stoppage if he’s starting as the defensive midfielder.

Chesser being able to predict what Duggan will do after he wins a contest one-on-one; which way will he turn and is he goes right what carry will he have on the kick.

Predictability can be a team’s downfall when the opposition can interpret what’s coming, but it is essential in the evolution of a game plan.

As Adam Simpson has said, the growth of this team will not be linear but one suspects Eagles fans will enjoy the journey.