WEST Coast captain Darren Glass believes his side's evenness will be its biggest strength in 2014.

Following a disastrous 2013 in which the side was ravaged by injury and slumped to 13th despite high expectations, Glass felt the Eagles' versatility and balance would be key to their success this season ahead of their round one clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

"I think it will be team balance. Really getting contributions from everyone across the field," Glass said.

"To be a good side, you have to have a nice even contribution."

Glass also believes the balance and flexibility of the Eagles' defence will be critical to their success.

The four-time All Australian and three-time best and fairest was once the pillar that held the Eagles' defence together but the development of younger players had allowed Glass the freedom to roll off the key forwards he once wrestled with every week.  

"Eric Mackenzie is our main defender now," Glass said.

"He takes the number one target and that's been happening for a few years now, and has helped me add a couple of extra years to my career.

"And clearly Mitch Brown and Will Schofield continue to develop and improve.

"It's a real mix. You end up pretty much on just about everyone at some stage.

"It's not like the old days when I first started, where you lock down on someone and that was it. You tend to match up on them all through the game."

Glass was wary of what a rapidly improving Bulldogs side could produce on Sunday.

"They're a great contested team," he said.

"They look like they've improved again from last year. They had a good pre-season. They made some big improvements last year, and they beat us the last time we played.

"They've got some really sharp players. Their ball movement has improved.

"We know anything can happen. We're expecting a really good, strong outfit from the Bulldogs."