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West Coast skipper Darren Glass says it would be nice to win the pre-season final, but insists round one of the AFL campaign remains far more important.
The Eagles battle for the NAB Cup against the Crows in Adelaide on Saturday night.
But Glass’s priority is the round one encounter against the Bulldogs on April 1.
“We’d love to win it, there’s no doubt about that, but the aim and the purpose is to prepare for round one,” Glass said on Monday.
“If some players can draw some experience from (a pre-season final), then, good.
“But it’s not crucial to where we’re going.”
West Coast also played off in the 2005 pre-season final – a loss to Carlton – with the experience helping the group reach the premiership decider against Sydney later that year.
But Glass said pre-season success didn’t necessarily translate into the season proper.
The skipper was rested from last weekend’s win over St Kilda and is likely to join Shannon Hurn as key inclusions against Adelaide.
Midfielders Andrew Embley (shoulder), Luke Shuey (ankle) and Andrew Gaff (groin) are also chances to return, but ruckman Dean Cox could be rested for the first time this pre-season despite silverware being up for grabs.
“None of the boys like missing games, we all like to play,” Glass said when asked about Cox’s chances.
“But I think he’s very comfortable with the preparation he’s had.
“He’s trained well all summer. He’s obviously playing some great footy now.
“I don’t think he’ll be fazed either way.”
Forwards Quinten Lynch (hamstring) and Josh Kennedy (foot) aren’t expected to play this weekend.
But defender Eric Mackenzie, who was knocked out while attempting a smother against the Saints, remains a chance to take on the Crows after recovering well from the incident.
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