Greetings fans, and welcome to the latest instalment of my footy blog.

Well, what a start to the season we’ve had. Three out of three, top of the table! Well done fellas. A tear almost came to my eye when I looked at the ladder and saw us sitting pretty right at its pinnacle. But then I remembered that I’m so tough I don’t cry.

I’m going to get real for a minute people, I’m going to lay all my thoughts and feelings out on the table: yes, we’ve had big wins in these first three rounds. To the average footy spectator, West Coast is lookin’ the goods. We smashed the Bulldogs. We sent the Demons home crying. And I don’t really need to give any further explanation as to how we tore it up against Greater Western Sydney.

But guys, I am not the average footy spectator. I am a footy expert, as you can tell from reading my highly-acclaimed blog. So this is what I think: we’ve had big wins against so far, having gone head to head with the Dogs, Demons and Giants, who are all bottom-four teams. So the real test for a top side such as West Coast will be this weekend against the Hawks, who are currently tipped as early flag favourites.

The Hawks are sitting at number four on the ladder, having only lost to Geelong in round two by a mere two points. Round one saw them nudge out Collingwood, and in round three they smashed the Crows. Having taken on both of last year’s grand final contenders in the Cats and the Pies, as well as an in-form Adelaide, Hawthorn have had a considerably tougher start to the season than West Coast, and will be keen to knock us off the top of the ladder this weekend.

But let’s take a look at our side this weekend shall we? Captain Darren Glass returns to the side, along with Matt Priddis and Matt Rosa. Result. So here’s how I see Saturday night playing out:

Glassy and his superstar defenders Eric Mackenzie, Ash Smith, Beau Waters, Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Adam Selwood and Paddy McGinnity shutting down Hawthorn’s forwards. The legendary ruck combo of Coxy and NicNat will be dominating at every centre bounce. Priddis, Daniel Kerr, Andrew Gaff, Scotty Selwood, Luke Shuey and Matt Rosa will be sending the ball straight into our forward 50. And Lynchy, Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, Josh Hill, Ashton Hams and Chris Masten will be on the receiving end, ready to boot it for six points. Easy!

So there we go. That is exactly how the game will play out. How can you beat a side like that?

Let me know your thoughts and feelings at facebook.com/RickTheRockEagle or on Twitter at @ricktherockWCE.

Love Rick