The long range forecast of bright, sunny conditions for the weekend might be enough to tempt coach Adam Simpson and his match committee to go with a tall structure against Collingwood, with a couple of options to consider.
Champion ruckman Dean Cox should be fit and available after a week off with concussion, and Callum Sinclair continues to present his case for a recall.
Sinclair was the best of the West Coast players engaged at East Perth on Saturday when the Royals were out-pointed by Subiaco.
Playing forward and in the ruck, Sinclair was solid in all facets of his game. With 24 possessions, 10 marks and a goal, as well as winning 34 hit-outs, he has maintained his form and ensured he remains in the selection frame
While he was a standout, defenders Blayne Wilson and Adam Carter had their moments and young midfielder Will Maginness, in his return to senior football, also did some good things.
Wilson had an interesting battle with Subiaco forward Matt Boland, who kicked three goals, but the developing West Coast defender also had 17 possessions, rebounded neatly out of defence and took four marks.
Carter was matched up on lively Lions forward George Hampson and won that battle in the first half, before Hampson responded with a couple of second half goals. Maginness had 14 possessions and finished off his work with two goals.
Ashley Smith played a cameo role up forward with 12 touches and a goal, while Fraser McInnes took seven marks and had 16 possessions, but could have raised his game to another level had he converted some opportunities in front of goal.
Simon Tunbridge would have been looking to have a stronger impact than his 13-possession/one-goal game and he was also reported. But after considering the incident, the WAFL has offered the bullocking midfielder/forward a reprimand.
Brant Colledge, in his return game, had 20 possessions and took six marks and will be better for the run, while in the reserves Dylan Main continued to build his case for a return to senior action after a 20-possession haul in a reserves team that was well beaten by the Lions.
