First-year Eagle Luke Foley says West Coast will embrace the challenge of taking on a star-studded Claremont side Sunday's sudden death semi-final.
After a last-minute Brady Grey goal saved the Eagles from elimination last week, Foley said the side was desperate to keep the good times rolling when they line-up against the Tigers for a spot in the preliminary final.
“Coming into Claremont this week, we know they’re pretty strong,” Foley said.
“They’ve got a really strong midfield. I think if we bring the heat and pressure early on it’ll be a good contest.
“We’re really looking forward to it.”
The Eagles’ on-ballers will be put to the test when they take on a Tigers’ midfield featuring Sandover medallists Kane Mitchell and Jye Bolton. Foley said the Eagles will need to work as a collective in order to stop the rampaging mids.
“They’ve obviously got those big names in there,” he said.
“Our midfield group will go about their game plan and how they can combat their mids.
“As a team if we can work together to try and limit their impact that should hold us in good stead.”
The Eagles and Tigers faced off at Revo Fitness Stadium back in round four in an enthralling clash that saw the Eagles prevail by two points.
Foley said the side will take confidence from that win.
“It was early on in the season,” he said.
“We came out early, had a good first quarter and really brought the heat on the contest.
“Things evened up and we just stuck it out for longer, which gives us good confidence knowing we can hold it and put the foot down.”
Last week’s elimination final victory means West Coast have won eight of their last 10 games, something Foley believes will hold the side in good stead as they prepare for Sunday’s semi final.
“We sat well down the ladder at one stage there,” he said.
“But we managed to string some games together in that second-part of the season, which we’ve been able to carry over into finals.”
After pulling out of the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, Foley spent the following year playing colts for Subiaco.
He averaged 25.9 disposals and 7.3 tackles per game, firmly entrenching himself in the eyes of AFL recruiters.
The young utility said he found the transition to league football difficult at first, but has become more comfortable as the season’s gone on.
“It was challenging. It took me a while to adjust but I’m really enjoying it,” Foley said.
“It’s been a good opportunity to learn from all the boys, especially some of the senior blokes that we’ve had in the WAFL team.”
Foley has had a productive first-season, averaging 12 disposals and 3.4 marks across 15 games for the WAFL Eagles.
A grateful Foley said he felt fortunate to gain such valuable playing experience in his first season.
“I’ve been lucky to play 15 games,” Foley said.
“I missed a few there with injury, but to get the bulk of the season in was a tick for me.
“Hopefully I can finish the year strong and then move into next year.”
The Eagles will take on the Tigers at Revo Fitness Stadium on Sunday.
Bouncedown is at 2.10pm.
