West Coast coach Adam Simpson is tired of the travel questions, and he’s come up with a plan to make them go away – beating Geelong this week.
The Eagles improved their record to 4-2 with a 62-point trouncing of Collingwood at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
All four of West Coast’s wins have come at home this season – and by sizeable margins.
But their away form has been patchy.
A 46-point loss to the Hawks at the MCG in round two was followed by a 39-point defeat to Sydney in round five.
The Eagles haven’t won away from home since round 16 last year, with the fruitless run raising serious questions about their premiership credentials.
But West Coast have the chance to prove their doubters wrong when they take on the in-form Cats at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.
Geelong enter the match full of confidence following their 120-point win over Gold Coast on Saturday night.
West Coast’s home form is unquestioned, but Simpson knows the way his team prepare for away games will continue to come under the microscope until they start winning regularly on the road.
“It’s probably mindset and the fact we’re playing bloody good sides away from home,” Simpson said.
“So until we win, I’ve just got to cop these questions.
“I’m glad no one has said flat track bullies yet (about our home form). I would’ve gone off. So don’t ask me that one.”
West Coast have lost their past four matches at Simonds Stadium, with their last win there coming in 2006.
Another lingering issue for West Coast right now is their wayward goalkicking.
The Eagles should have had the game sewn up against Collingwood by half-time – but their waywardness left the door ajar.
Collingwood made the most of their chance to close to within 10 points late in the third term, before West Coast booted the next nine goals to secure the 18.16 (124) to 9.8 (62) win.
Spearhead Josh Kennedy has booted 8.13 in his past four games, but Simpson said the inaccuracy was predominantly a mindset thing.
Star midfielder Elliot Yeo is set to return against the Cats after being struck down with tonsillitis last week.
And defender Xavier Ellis is also a chance to play after making a successful return from an Achilles tendon issue in the WAFL last weekend.
Forward Jack Darling injured his back against the Magpies, but he was able to return to the field and is expected to line up against the Cats.