After posting a convincing 95-point win over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday night, West Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold says his team is in prime condition to take on ladder-leaders Collingwood next weekend at the MCG.
In front of 36,032 fans, the Eagles asked further questions of Crows coach Mark Bickley overnight, and now set their sights on a seemingly out-of-form Magpies outfit following a 96-point belting at the hands of Geelong on Friday night.
Worsfold, unlike Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson, took the risk in playing each of his star players this weekend, and insists that by doing so, West Coast are now prepared for the challenges that await in the month ahead.
“We’ve got a good squad available and fit and ready to go and our attitude is, regardless of where and when the game is and who we’re playing, we’ll go out there and perform at our best.”
With fourth spot on the ladder secured, perhaps nothing can better prepare West Coast than the criticism and doubt that surrounds a match with last year’s premiers.
3AW commentator Tony Shaw was reluctant to write off the Pies despite a less than impressive showing against the Cats, and even went as far as saying that Friday night’s loss was a well-structured tactic ahead of the finals – referring to Collingwood’s tendency to lose the last game of the season each and every year.
If this season has proven anything though, it’s that a trip to Melbourne in front of the Collingwood army is a daunting task for any opposition – let alone a team from Western Australia who were handed the wooden spoon 12 months ago.
The Eagles haven’t made the finals since 2007, and in between that time have faced several uncertainties towards the future. After Saturday night’s win however, West Coast have now equalled their 17-5 record achieved in 2006 – the very same season the Eagles won it all.
Pies coach Mick Malthouse has assured fans that Friday night’s loss to Geelong isn’t the be-all and end-all of Collingwood’s finals chances. West Coast on the other hand can enter Saturday night’s game with a high level of confidence and belief, even if star midfielder Daniel Kerr is a chance to sit out.
The difference between the two sides though is selection. Worsfold’s risk taking against Adelaide has not only ensured that the Eagles will be fit and in form, it has also made his job a whole lot easier when it comes to picking next Saturday’s side.
Malthouse, well he has a totally different week ahead of him.
Midfielder Dale Thomas still has to sit as he serves the final week of a suspension, but there is some consolation for Pies’ fans as Nick Maxwell is eager to return after nursing a broken thumb.
Leon Davis is still a 50/50 chance with an injured hamstring, and with Heath Shaw’s eight-week suspension coming to a close, Malthouse now has some tough but familiar decisions to make in the space of six days.
Injury concerns for Chris Tarrant have also been kept under wraps for the time being. Tarrant was seen hobbling on crutches after the game on Friday night, a move that was reportedly made as a precautionary measure.
Still, the Eagles seem to be dealing with late season wear and tear a lot better than most clubs.
Aside from Kerr’s injury – one that could be labelled as minor – the Eagles depth is perhaps just as strong as Collingwood’s.
Brad Ebert and Adam Selwood locked up the centre of the field on Saturday night, and the emergent form of Andrew Gaff leaves the Eagles with a prominent substitute in the finals.
When asked about Collingwood’s slump in form against Geelong, Worsfold told reporters “You’re judged on what you know the norm is, and last night was not the norm.”
It seems Worsfold and Malthouse share similar views, unsurprisingly.
If Collingwood are truly ready for the West Coast test, a repeat of last season’s roster magic will have to happen.
Following a final round loss to Hawthorn at the MCG, Collingwood rebounded by defeating the Bulldogs by 62 points in the qualifying round, a side that featured many of Friday night’s star players.
The question is though, is it time to dig up the old ‘Colliwobbles’ jibe just yet?
If Worsfold’s preparation is enough, it very well could be.
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