West Coast will unveil mid-season recruit Oliver Francou on Friday night as Andrew McQualter challenged his young side to bounce back from last week's setback against Carlton.
The Eagles return to Optus Stadium for a prime-time clash with Adelaide, looking to respond after having their eight-week stretch of improved form halted by the Blues in Melbourne.
Speaking ahead of the round 17 encounter, McQualter said West Coast had been clear in reviewing last week's performance and were focused on regaining the standards that had underpinned the team's recent progress.
"We were really clear on what went wrong for us last week," McQualter said.
"We had been making some gains in our game, but everyone knows we are the youngest squad in the competition. It's not going to be linear for us.
"We are going to have days where it doesn't go our way. We are trying to reduce those days and reduce how much we slip by, but last week wasn't quite what we wanted, and we look to rectify it tomorrow night."
The headline selection news is the AFL debut of Francou, who was selected with the Eagles first pick in the AFL Mid-Season Draft after an impressive start to the year in the SANFL.
The powerful midfielder has quickly made an impression since arriving at the Eagles, earning his opportunity after just four WAFL appearances.
"It’s terrific news for Ollie," McQualter said.
"He's made a huge impact at our footy club in a really short period of time.
"Over the last few weeks his contested ball numbers, clearance numbers and tackles have all been really strong.
"We've got great faith in how he'll compete at the coalface and look forward to him doing that."
The Eagles will face a significant challenge against an Adelaide side featuring one of the competition's most dangerous attacks, headlined by key forwards Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe.
While acknowledging the size and marking power of the Crows' forward line, McQualter said West Coast's focus would begin higher up the field.
"They're a strong contested-mark team and a big forward line, we appreciate that," McQualter said.
"But like anything, if you don't have pressure on the ball, you'll struggle against anyone.
"Our biggest focus is to limit the supply they get and how that supply comes in."
Friday night's fixture presents another opportunity for West Coast's developing group to perform under the bright lights, with McQualter embracing the occasion.
"I love Friday night footy. It's one of the best timeslots to play," McQualter said.
"You get a lot of eyeballs watching and it's a big stage.
"We haven't had many of those opportunities in the last few years, so it's a great opportunity and we look forward to it."
The Eagles will also take to the field for the first time since fan favourite Jamie Cripps announced his retirement, with McQualter praising the veteran's influence on the club's next generation.
"He played a selfless, hard-working role and I think he's left a legacy of that," McQualter said.
"If that's his legacy, I think it's a terrific one to leave. He had a big impact on a lot of our group."
