Midfielder Dom Sheed says West Coast’s players are frustrated with their inconsistent form but still believe they can turn things around during a crunch last three rounds.
The Eagles were bitterly disappointing in their 45-point loss to Collingwood in Shannon Hurn's 300th game, however a finals spot is still up for grabs and Sheed was confident in the team’s ability to compete with the best at their best.
There will be no better test of that than during Monday night's last home game for the season against a rampaging Melbourne outfit coming off a 98-point thrashing of Gold Coast.
“I think there’s definitely still belief within the playing group,” Sheed said.
“We know that at our best we can match it with the best but we know for the moment we’re not producing that for long enough on game day.
“The belief is there but right now the evidence probably isn’t.”
West Coast has shown its potency within games this year - particularly during victories over Port Adelaide, Fremantle, St Kilda and Richmond - and has the opportunity to get back to performing at a high level before the 2021 campaign ends.
“It can be frustrating at times knowing that on paper we’ve got a very good list, (and) the fact that it’s not gelling together like we’d hope for,” Sheed said.
“It can be frustrating, but we’re working through those things.
“At the same time, as doom and gloom as it is (externally), we’re still sitting seventh on the ladder, so there’s 11 teams in the competition who want to be where we are.
“We’ve got three more games left in the year and hopefully we can qualify for finals and do some damage there.
“But it’s going to be a tough one against Melbourne this week.”
The Magpies’ run and gun handball game proved a major problem for the Eagles in the first half on Saturday at the MCG, and being opened up defensively is something Adam Simpson and his coaching team are addressing.
“The great thing about footy is we’ve got another opportunity next week and another three games in the season to go, so we’re working on some things we want to improve,” Sheed said.
“That starts probably with our defence. We really struggled with their transition on the weekend so that’s something we’ll really focus on this week.”
