West Coast understands the challenge stopping “complete player” Jeremy Cameron but competing against reigning premier Geelong takes more than just shutting down one player, Eagles coach Adam Simpson says.
Cameron nailed seven goals on Easter Monday against Hawthorn and has kicked 18 majors in the opening four games, while partner-in-crime Tom Hawkins presents another huge headache for the Eagles defence.
West Coast is without star backman Jeremy McGovern (hamstring) and veteran Shannon Hurn (managed) and will rely on a team effort to stop supply to the big Cats in attack.
“(Cameron’s) probably the competition’s best player at the moment. That’s saying something for a non-mid,” Simpson.
“We’ve put a couple of things in place. Obviously we’re a bit battle-weary down back but we’ll put a couple of things in place and see how we go.
“(Cameron) gets up the ground and he seems to be one of the fittest players on the ground. Then he finishes off his work, too.
“He’s the complete player at the moment, so a real challenge for us, and Hawkins is not too shabby either. He hit some form on the weekend.”
Geelong dominated Hawthorn after half-time to kick into gear after a slow start to their premiership defence and Simpson declared the contest would be where the game is won and lost at Adelaide Oval.
“I think Cameron at stages has kept them in the game (against Hawthorn) with some of the things he’s done individually, but the collective took over in that second half and we all saw what we’ve probably seen for a few years now,” he said.
“It’s not just one player, it’s what they do with their experience, their system, their method around the contest. Their aggressive nature, their backs run.
“It’s a first-class side.”
The Eagles are short-handed with a significant number of key players sidelined, including midfielder Dom Sheed who is several weeks away after a knock to the throat at training last week.
Important defender Tom Cole is also facing a stint on the sidelines after hurting his ankle – the same joint that he damaged last season, albeit in a different location.
“He didn’t re-do the ankle but it’s around the same area. More stress-related than anything,” Simpson said.
“That’s really disappointing for him. He’s put together a really good pre-season and he’s just starting to find some form.
“We don’t know the full extent but it will be weeks.”
The Eagles managed young gun Reuben Ginbey at training this week to prepare him for the Cats clash after a heavy workload.
The big-bodied midfielder could line-up against Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield at stages on Sunday to continue his accelerated development.
“As much as it’s a challenge at the moment, we’ve hit a bad run again with injuries, we’ve got some real opportunity to play some of these kids and younger players who are fit and ready to go,” Simpson said.
“To give them opportunities on A-plus talent is something we’ll continue to do and Reuben no doubt will get stages when he’s on some pretty good players.”
