West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is seeing clear evidence the Eagles are improving and is confident his team is playing better football now than last time they met Richmond.
Back in round nine, the Eagles lost a heartbreaker at the MCG by two points, before breaking through for their first victory of the season the next match against St Kilda.
The rematch at Optus Stadium pits 18th against 17th and shapes as a chance for the Eagles to get one back over the Tigers.
“Watching back that game during this week we’re certainly playing – I think – better than we were then,” McQualter said.
“I know results haven’t gone our way but there’s some things in our game that we’re learning every week and we’re getting better at.
“We feel like our game is improving, and same with the Tiges. They’re still an experienced team.
“We can’t wait for Saturday night and hope that a big showing of our crowd turn up.”
West Coast jumped Port Adelaide last Sunday with arguably the team’s best quarter this year and has shown signs within matches that their best can take it up to some quality opposition.
“The most fueled you can be in a belief sense is wins but there’s a lot of other evidence we’re getting that we are improving,” McQualter said.
“We feel like we’re getting better and we’re in a real rush to get better, and I think the players are feeling that too, so we’ll just continue on that path.”
Lacking depth in senior ranks, the Eagles are hopeful star forward Liam Ryan can overcome soreness to reclaim his place.
“He’s got to get through main training. All signs are pointing towards him being able to get through,” McQualter said.
“He’s one of our best players in our team and in our forward line, in particular. Every time we’ve got him, he helps us.
“If he can play, great, and we’re hopeful he can but if not we’ll find another way.”
Tim Kelly went back to the WAFL last round to find some form in the engine room and delivered with 27 disposals and two goals in the loss to West Perth.
The veteran midfielder could return to provide more experience alongside a youthful onball brigade featuring Brady Hough, Harley Reid, Elijah Hewett and Clay Hall.
“Tim has played a lot of footy as a midfielder and he stepped back into it really comfortably,” McQualter said.
“We’re just going to have to pick our mix and get our balance right in the midfield.”
Reid produced arguably his best game for 2025 against the Power with 27 touches, seven tackles and a goal, mixed with some ill-disciplined acts that he continues to work on reducing from his game.
“I think you’ve got to remember his last six or eight weeks have been pretty strong,” McQualter said.
“I know there’s been some things that have been a bit of a distraction and take away a little bit from his game.
“We acknowledge that and he acknowledged that last week, but he’s actually playing some pretty strong football at the moment.”
