Some are already billing it as the grand final preview but West Coast will be far from full strength in Saturday’s AFL blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG.
The Eagles, already minus the likes of injured stars Andrew Embley, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras, Will Schofield and Mark Nicoski, could also be without Adam Selwood against the ‘Pies after the reliable defender was struck down by an arm infection last week.
In contrast to West Coast’s injury woes, Collingwood are set to regain the services of key trio Ben Reid, Heath Shaw and Alan Toovey.
Selwood was forced to spend much of last Friday on a drip in hospital and faces a race against time to prove his fitness.
The 28-year-old has been a consistent performer in defence and through the midfield this season and his absence against the in-form Magpies would be a significant blow.
West Coast will welcome back vice-captain Beau Waters from suspension for the first versus third clash, while fellow defenders Ash Smith, Sam Butler and Mitch Brown are chances to earn recalls.
Although the ladder-leading Eagles have defied their injury concerns this year to post nine wins from 11 games, they are yet to claim a big scalp in Melbourne.
Collingwood have won their past eight games to join West Coast at 9-2, and will take a significant psychological edge into this week’s match after winning their past six games against the Eagles by an average of 49 points.
But West Coast coach John Worsfold was confident his team had the weapons to cover for the club’s heavy injury toll, saying the Eagles’ depth and overall talent had improved markedly since last year’s 20-point qualifying final loss to Collingwood at the MCG.
“I think we’re a better team now overall,” Worsfold said on Wednesday.
“With some key players out, in the same situation last year maybe we wouldn’t have won as many games as we have.
“That’s how much the squad’s growing.”
Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui tallied a career-high 25 disposals in last week’s win over Carlton, and looms as a key figure against the Pies.
“The pressure he brings around the contested footy is sensational for us,” Worsfold said.
“I don’t think he’s going to average 25 possessions per game … but I’ve seen him impact games just as much throughout this year getting 12 or 13 possessions.”
Collingwood forward Sharrod Wellingham did his best to reignite the ducking debate this week, saying the Magpies would refine their tackling technique to ensure they didn’t give away any free kicks for high tackles.
