The West Coast Eagles will kick off their 2024 campaign on Sunday against Port Adelaide and senior coach Adam Simpson is confident that the team is up for the challenge.

“We’re pretty focused on what we have to do, and the basics of what we’re chasing,” Simpson said.

“But we’ve got to put some work into the opposition as well, they’re a pretty good side, they’re full strength pretty much, they’re pretty dynamic, they’ve got some experienced players and some good leaders.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us but we’re up for it, there’s energy at the club, we understand that there’s going to be some ups and downs this year, but it looks like the boys are up for the fight.”

Following a tough couple of years, Simpson said being competitive is one of the main focus points heading into the new season.

“At the moment, we want to be competitive, that’s our first step,” Simpson said.

“What we do around the ball, around the clearances, the kind of pressure we can sustain and bring, they’re the first things we’ve got to get right.

“But being competitive is the first step for us, and we can worry about winning games after that.”

As the team progresses through its building period, Simpson is hopeful that the Eagles faithful will be along for the ride.

“The messaging for us is that we just want to improve, we want to get better,” Simpson said.

“We’re pretty clear with our purpose and what direction we’re on, so the alignment is there.

“And now it’s just getting to work and hopefully bringing our fans along for the journey, they’re really important, they’re part of what we do.”

Simpson said the arrival of exciting, young talent in the off-season has boosted the vibes with high energy and a new perspective. 

“It’s different, there’s a different feel at the club, the locker room has changed with some of the youth coming through and the way the new leaders have held themselves,” Simpson said.

“The ‘belonging’ piece is really strong, so I think they can be themselves at the club, and when you’re young you’re just different, there’s less things in your life that get in the way of footy.

“They hang around longer, the immaturity has lifted and I think we all appreciate it, it’s been a good vibe.”

With an abundance of fresh talent on display throughout the pre-season, Simpson said there’s a number of player’s pushing their case for round one selection.

“We’ve got to get through Thursday, as much as I’d love to say ‘here’s the team’, I just can’t do it, we need to get through Thursday,” Simpson said.

“There’s a few, without naming them because I don’t want to put too much heat on them, but there’s good selection this week.

“That’s a really good conversation to have in match committee, rather than who’s up, we’re actually debating the side.

“We haven’t agreed on the team just yet, but there’s probably six or seven guys fighting for the last two or three spots.”