West Coast’s mindset won’t change heading into a clash against red-hot League leaders Adelaide, with coach Andrew McQualter declaring the Eagles are determined to improve on the run home.
A disappointing 83-point loss to Melbourne last round followed 49-point defeats to Fremantle and Richmond, taking some shine of a previous patch of more competitive football.
The Eagles have a difficult run home but, starting this Sunday, want to bring greater effort and intensity on a significant day for the club against the Crows.
McQualter and the players were frustrated after the Demons defeat but have the chance to finish the year with momentum.
“It’s been a challenging year, not just for me, for everyone but for large portions of the year we saw some growth,” McQualter said.
“The last couple of weeks have been disappointing and we want to finish the year seeing more growth, so that’s what we’re going after.
“You absolutely go in thinking we can win (against Adelaide). We’re trying to build the systems, the way we want to play and the behaviours we want to show.
“There were just parts of that game (against Melbourne) the players weren’t happy with and, clearly, I wasn’t happy with.
“They’re strong about it. We trained really well yesterday. We’re just going in to improve again, and the result will take care of itself.”
The Eagles will be without important defender Harry Edwards (foot) against the potent Crows, led by spearhead Riley Thilthorpe, who has 48 majors this year.
Reuben Ginbey could be required to stand the 201cm powerhouse, despite giving away 10cm.
“’Reubs’ has just been unbelievable in the players that he’s played on and the different types of players that he’s played on all year,” McQualter said.
“We have a lot of trust in him to be able to execute those jobs. There’s potential ‘Reubs’ will do that and we’ll work through the mix for the rest of it to see what it looks like.
“We’re hopeful (Edwards will) play the last two games. He just wasn’t quite able to get himself up for training this week.
“It’s frustrating for him. He’s had a bit of a challenging month. He’s been brave in trying to push through and he’s obviously important for us.”
Sunday’s clash will mark the farewells for retiring 2018 premiership heroes Jeremy McGovern and Dom Sheed, who will complete a lap of honour at half-time.
“Our fans are incredible the way they keep turning up and we’ve got a great occasion to celebrate this weekend with Gov and Dom retiring, and Liam Duggan’s 200th game,” McQualter said.
“I’m sure our fans will turn up again and our aim will be to give them the game they deserve to watch.”
McQualter praised Duggan’s resilience and leadership during a trying period when other senior leaders Oscar Allen, Jeremy McGovern, Jake Waterman and Jack Graham have missed games.
“’Duggo’s’ been a warrior for this football club,” McQualter said. “He is a tough competitor.
“We’ve asked him to do multiple roles for us throughout the midfield and backline this year.
“The leadership burden he has carried has been significant. We haven’t had a large portion of our leadership group playing this year, which has been challenging.
“’Duggo’ is resilient. He turns up every week, he wears every bump and bruise and he’s a really proud person of our football club.”
