West Coast coach Adam Simpson says he’s been spending some nervous nights in front of the TV as he attempts to guide his side into the finals for a sixth straight year.
The Eagles (10-5) would have to be on the receiving end of a calamitous series of events in order to miss the finals in 2020.
But it hasn’t helped ease the nerves of Simpson, who is still searching for one more to give his team an iron-clad finals berth.
West Coast have the chance to achieve that in Thursday night’s clash with St Kilda at the Gabba.
Wins against St Kilda and lowly North Melbourne would give West Coast a shot at snaring a prized top-four berth and a double finals chance.
“It’s been a bit nerve-wracking watching footy on TV every night,” Simpson said.
“I’m starting to barrack for sides which I don’t normally do. There’s nothing wrong with doing that is there?
“We still need to win another game (to guarantee finals). The Saints are right behind us. If we drop this one, definitely top four is out of contention. If we win it, we’re still in the hunt.”
West Coast’s growing injury crisis has also jangled Simpson’s nerves.
The Eagles will be missing five premiership midfielders when they take on the Saints, with Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Mark Hutchings, Jack Redden and Dom Sheed all injured.
It means defenders such as Tom Cole, Liam Duggan and Jackson Nelson will be sent in for some midfield minutes, along with debutant Hamish Brayshaw.
West Coast will be bolstered by the return of ruckman Nic Naitanui and defender Shannon Hurn, but Lewis Jetta (calf) was another player to be added to the injury list.
St Kilda (9-6) are attempting to secure their first finals berth since 2011 and have bolstered their attacking power with the recall of Max King and Tim Membrey.
Seymorebutts
Guest
Brayshaw has looked good in the WAFL.. he plays nice and direct, doesnt mess around with it. He is just a solid reliable player, which sometimes is all you need. Jetts can be great one moment.. and something else the rest, been a great servant of the club, but his time has come. Xavier O'Neill has looked ok as well, as long as the young guys can just hold their own, well thats enough at this stage. We have the firepower to score enough points to win, so I think the Eagles are slight favorites.
Charlie McCormack
Roar Rookie
Massive challenge for the Eagles tonight with most of their first choice midfield on the pine but I have a sneaking suspicion Simmo might engineer a famous backs to the wall win. Hopefully they unleash Duggan into the midfield; been in good form and feels to me like a man who can lift when the troops are down.
The Dom is good
Roar Rookie
the West Coast kids will guts it out for a win
Excuses
Guest
A 5 goal lead in a GF ruined by injuries?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yes, injury. Welcome to the world of Collingwood past 7 years.
WCE
Roar Rookie
yeah, biggest injury list for West Coast since 2000-2001 with Ken Judge so 20 years really. Hurn back in with Nic Nat will make a difference and i like Schoey in the back line his experience is invaluable. I hope Brayshaw has a win in his debut game, i hear this kid has been on the verge of selection for a while. Not sure it its true, but i hear Jetta's contract wont be renewed next year and he isnt really injured. no great loss. sadly this year he's been an ordinary passenger more than the damaging player he is capable of
Klompy
Guest
got to stay positive with the Eagles. still got some players in like Gaff, Kennedy, Darling, Tim Kelly, Naitanui and Hurn, McGovern and Barrass. I think the Mighty Eagles will win against the Saints and win well and lock in the top four position. go the Mighty Eagles.
Sir Luttinen
Roar Rookie
Injury list easily the worst I've ever see at wce, at least the worst since 07 final vs Collingwood.