Waalitj Marawar coach Andrew McQualter says the Eagles are embracing the challenge but remain firmly focused on the task at hand as they prepare for a blockbuster round 11 clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

A crowd approaching 95,000 is expected for Saturday’s encounter, with Magpies veteran Scott Pendlebury set to break the all-time VFL/AFL games record in his 433rd match.

While the milestone has dominated the build-up, McQualter made it clear the Eagles’ attention is on securing a result on the road.

“Our job is to go over there and win this game of football, so we’ll do whatever it takes to do that,” McQualter said.

“We’ve embraced the fact it’ll be a big crowd.

“We’ve spoken about what the environment will be like and used our sports psych to prepare the players, but from a preparation point of view, it's been exactly the same.

“It’s a great opportunity.

“You’ve got to win big finals at the MCG, that’s what our competition’s about.

“Our young players get their first taste of a big game at the ‘G’ and we can’t wait.”

Containing Collingwood’s midfield will be a key focus, with superstar Nick Daicos the obvious dangerman.

Daicos has averaged 33 disposals, six clearances and kicked five goals in four career battles with the Eagles, and Brady Hough shapes as a potential tagging option for McQualter.

“Whether it’s a full tag or a team mindset, if you give Nick Daicos time and space you’re going to be in trouble,” McQualter said.

“He’s an exceptional player and tagged or not, he has a huge influence on every game.”

The Eagles will again look to build on their recent midfield synergy, with the combination of Bailey Williams, Harley Reid, Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo showing encouraging signs in recent weeks.

“There’s definitely a synergy there,” McQualter said.

“They’ve spent a lot of time together and understand what they’re trying to achieve, which is starting to show.”

Reid is also set to reach a milestone, playing his 50th AFL game on Saturday, with McQualter praising the young star’s growth and impact.

“It’s been an incredible journey for him so far, we’re just seeing so much growth in him” McQualter said.

“He’s such an important player for our team, the way he started quarter four last week, I thought his physical presence, his will to win, it just stood out so much.

“We can't wait to celebrate it for him.”

West Coast will again emphasise defensive pressure, an area highlighted by the playing group in recent weeks as a key focus moving forward.

“It's something we've been pursuing pretty hard, and I think we saw it at its best version last week,” McQualter said.

“So hopefully that's our standard now and we make the game really hard for the opposition.”