A week, as they say in football parlance, is a long time.

The West Coast Eagles know how long because that is the period between a sub-standard performance against the Gold Coast Suns and the next opportunity against Brisbane at the Gabba this Saturday night.

And there was a genuine energy at training tonight as they prepared for a show-down with the young Lions, a team on the march who were so impressive last season.

The Eagles cracked in at their main session at Metricon Stadium oval two, their second hit-out at the ground outside the main stadium at what is a most impressive facility which is showing positive signs of bearing fruit for the Suns.

This time last week there was deluge early in this session. Tonight it was still, balmy and perfect. A light dew on the ground, but the squad went about its business with a strong purpose.

It was a mix of skill work and contested drills and the players seemed to relish the opportunity to get back into football mode after a few days when the emphasis was around recovery. Understandably, given that was their first game under true match conditions for three months.

The players know there is at least one place available, given the unfortunate suspension of star defender Jeremy McGovern last night.

Given that opening, a number of players who missed out last week will be keen to burst through the  door that will be ajar when the match committee sits down to select the team for this week’s important contest.