West Coast star Nic Naitanui is looking forward to seeing the response from his midfield teammates after coach Adam Simpson challenged them to find another gear against Port Adelaide.

Despite the Eagles' talismanic ruck being in commanding form against Brisbane - winning a game-high nine clearances along with 34 hit-outs and a goal - the engine room was overrun by the Lions in a five-goal defeat.

While there were signs of improvement following a disappointing effort against Gold Coast the previous week, West Coast was still beaten by 15 in contested possessions – a critical factor in the heavy conditions.

“I don’t think the guys are not going in hard enough, they’re probably going in too hard at times,” Naitanui said.

“With the slippery conditions as well we just haven’t adjusted and adapted. You look at our midfield and some of those boys have a lot of pride.

“They back their form in and I think they’re even hungrier than ever to prove that they are really good and they are better than most midfields.

“I think Simmo has put a bit of a challenge to our midfield this week again coming up against one of the best in the comp in Port Adelaide, so I’m excited.

“I’m excited to see the (Tim) Kellys, the (Elliot) Yeos, the (Luke) Shueys react and show us what they’ve got.”

Naitanui, who is eagerly anticipating a match-up against former teammate Scott Lycett at Metricon Stadium this Saturday afternoon, believed the midfield synergy would improve with every outing alongside boom recruit Tim Kelly.

“TK has been good. Obviously we got a couple of pre-season games in with him and then round one but we’ve had that gap so we haven’t had too much time where we could work on our craft and gel as a midfield as often,” Naitanui said.

“But we’re still learning and still getting to know each other and how each other works, but I think he’s slotted in really well.

“We’ve just got to find that right balance between those guys coming on ball and going forward as well.”

Naitanui also rejected suggestions the Eagles have been “flat” about being on the Gold Coast after the club agreed to relocate to Queensland temporarily to help the AFL season get restarted.

“I disagree. I just think we haven’t adjusted to the conditions as well. The contest as well, I think teams have been better in the contest against us,” he said.

“We’re at one of the best places. Royal Pines (Resort) is on of the greatest spots up here and we can’t blame the hub, it’s better than half the guys’ houses back at home. You get your food cooked for you, you get clothes washed.

“I don’t think the hub has anything to do with it, albeit it’s a little bit different, it’s not the norm, but I think it has just come down to our footy that we play on the weekends.”

When the Eagles do return to Perth they are set to play in front of a full house at Optus Stadium as soon as July 18 – with the one and only 2020 Western Derby reportedly a chance for round seven.

“It’s good to give back to some of our fans who have been deprived of live footy for a long time,” Naitanui said.

Speaking to reporters on the Gold Coast, the spring-heeled Eagle also took the chance to throw his support behind Carlton veteran Eddie Betts in the fight against racism.

On Tuesday night, Betts passionately spoke out against those who have targeted him throughout his life and AFL career in a bid to change behaviours so future generations do not have to put up with the same vulgar abuse.

“I saw what Eddie Betts said and some of the stuff he’s copped. I feel for him. I can empathise with him being in a similar boat growing up in the footy world,” Naitanui said.

“I loved what he did. He’s copping the brunt of it but he’s providing for the future generations to come through and have footy as a safe haven.”