Heading into a hostile RAC Derby environment as underdogs will be a test of West Coast’s resolve as the injury-hit Eagles attempt to cause a boilover, coach Adam Simpson says.
Without a number of their best 22 available – including Tim Kelly (suspended), Willie Rioli Jnr. (personal) and Josh Kennedy (retired) from last round – the Eagles enter RAC Derby No.55 as rank outsiders.
But by pushing Adelaide in Kennedy’s farewell game, West Coast again showed signs of improvement in the back half of the season and will take a swing at upsetting the Dockers.
“They’re in a good space and they’re fighting for top-four, and it’s (David) Mundy’s last game (at home before finals), then it’s a Derby under Freo’s watch,” Simpson said of the Dockers.
“There’s a bit going against us but it’s a great opportunity to play in front of a big crowd, see what kind of resolve we have.
“We didn’t win last week but we played the right way. We looked for ‘JK’ (Josh Kennedy) a fair bit, so hopefully we can look for (Jack) Darling the same this week and see what we can do.”
Simpson has been wary of an emotional let-down this week after Kennedy’s stirring farewell match but hasn’t seen signs of flatness from the players.
“It’s probably a good thing we’re going into a Derby. Availability is our biggest issue,” Simpson said.
“We’re probably missing 12 of our best 22. What can we do without those guys is what we’ve been working on.
“Can we be competitive and have a swing, and you never know, that type of attitude.
“The guys have been up and about and we’ll see how we go.”
With Kennedy bowing out, ex-Dockers tall Hugh Dixon gets another opportunity to play as a key forward in his ninth senior appearance for the year.
Forward-ruck Bailey Williams has made way, with pinch-hitter Josh Rotham also returning to the side for what looms as a wet and slippery contest.
“(Williams’) next progression is to have a bit more presence as a forward. That sometimes happens at AFL level, that sometimes happens at WAFL level,” Simpson said.
“He’s on the right path. For a young player playing that position, you don’t peak until your late 20s really and he’s 21, 22, so not stressing too much about that.”
Simpson was hopeful Willie Rioli Jnr would take his place in the final round against Geelong after returning to Darwin for his father’s funeral this week, and was confident the magical forward would re-sign with the club.
“I don’t think we were ever really too worried about that. He’s been dealing with a fair bit the last five weeks,” Simpson said.
“We’ve respected Willie’s situation. Hopefully we get him back next week for Geelong, which is great.
“He could easily have stayed up north for an extra week with the family, so I think he’s going to sacrifice a bit of that to come down and help us finish out the year.”
Simpson also confirmed gun defender Tom Barrass was ready to go for the big job of shutting down in-form Dockers giant Rory Lobb after battling soreness this week.
“He’s been our best player in the second half of the year. He’s been exceptional for us, on and off the field,” Simpson said.
“He’s been the one pillar who has been consistent for us with our availability. He’s had a light week but he’s good to go.
“He’s been dealing with a lot of inside 50s and he’s held up his end – he’s been sensational for us.”
