Senior coach Adam Simpson believes West Coast is “ready to compete with anyone” after watching the Eagles click into top gear in an exhilarating 66-point triumph over Collingwood on Sunday.

Deemed as a litmus test for the Eagles - who had steadied their season with three consecutive wins against lower-ranked opposition after three heavy losses in rounds two to four - Simpson’s men passed with flying colours.

West Coast is now back in the mix of teams jockeying for position in the top eight and has rediscovered the distinct brand of free-flowing, efficient and aggressive football that has become a trademark in recent campaigns.

“We were really concerned after the three losses we had, not really with personnel but our system wasn’t (working) and the identity of our side was a little bit off,” Simpson said post-match.

“I thought our players really took ownership. The leadership from the older guys to the guys coming through all stepped up and they’re playing a pretty distinct brand and today was another step forward.

“I don’t know where we’re at in terms of the competition but I feel like we’ve caught up a little bit, if anything, and now we’re ready to compete with anyone.”

The Pies were weakened by some key omissions due to injury – including skipper Scott Pendelbury (quad) before the bounce – but the Eagles took full toll in a percentage-boosting victory.

Josh Kennedy backed up his Glendinning-Allan Medal-winning RAC Derby heroics with a brilliant seven-goal haul, while a midfield led by Luke Shuey, Tim Kelly, Nic Naitanui and Elliot Yeo was on fire in what Simpson agreed was his side’s most emphatic display for 2020.

“The scoreboard probably says that. Against a quality side we were really efficient in the front half today,” he said.

“I think we had 35 inside 50s so maybe the scoreboard flattered us a little bit but overall our intensity and pressure was really good all day. Made the most of our opportunities. We’ve been building for a few weeks, but they were a few men short, too, the Pies.

“Losing Pendlebury before the game was a pretty big loss, albeit we lost (Jeremy) McGovern. We had a pretty fit midfield and I thought they really stood up today.

“It was just difficult (for McGovern) to play with that thumb, kick, mark, handball, spoiling. It was his right hand so we’ve just got to assess whether it’s healed enough for him to play next week.”

Simpson said gun small forward Liam Ryan only confirmed he would play late in the week after a family tragedy and the high-flier was mobbed by teammates after kicking a late goal.

“Liam decided pretty late in the week, so it was a pretty emotional week for him. When he kicked that goal you saw the flood of support from his teammates,” Simpson said.

“No one can understand what he’s going through this week to get out there and play.

“He’s a very humble, quiet type of guy, so for him to play then to execute and give us something all to enjoy … I think the crowd today was great. We’ve missed them. I’ve got no doubt our players elevate for any crowd.

“It’s an honour to play in front of a crowd like we did today and Liam was fantastic.”