West Coast coach Adam Simpson says the ruck battle between Nic Naitanui and Brodie Grundy will make for tantalising viewing in Sunday’s blockbuster at Optus Stadium.

Naitanui and Grundy both have claims on being the best ruckman in the competition, and their head-to-head battle in Perth will play a huge role in the result.

When Collingwood beat West Coast by a point in round 17 last year, Grundy tallied 22 disposals, 32 hitouts, eight tackles, and six clearances in a sparkling display.

Naitanui was no slouch in that match, tallying a whopping 11 clearances to go along with his 14 disposals, 28 hitouts and four tackles.

Simpson has labelled the midfield battle with Collingwood as crucial, and says the showdown between Naitanui and Grundy will be a key aspect.

“He’s (normally) the hunted, but I think Nic is at his best when he hunts. I think he thrives on playing on a good ruckman,” Simpson said.

“There’s probably none better than what we’re confronting this week. Grundy is an exceptional player.

“What Grundy does is not just in the ruck, it’s what he does around the ground.

“He’s more a complete fifth mid I suppose, whereas Nic has power and attributes that I don’t think anyone can match in terms of follow-up and contest.

“Two different types of ruckmen with potentially game-winning abilities, so that will be one for everyone to watch.”

Collingwood have won two straight games to shoot into the top four, while West Coast have won three on the trot – albeit against teams on the lowly rungs of the ladder.

The Magpies will be without star forward Jordan De Goey (finger) and Travis Varcoe (rib), while the Eagles welcome back skipper Luke Shuey.

West Coast forward Liam Ryan has been named, but he could be a late withdrawal following the tragic death of his eight-year-old nephew while riding his bike to school earlier this week.

Given last week’s western derby was a Fremantle home game, Sunday’s blockbuster will be the first time West Coast have played in front of their own fans this year.

The Eagles have been on the wrong end of the free-kick count in 2020, but Simpson said West Coast’s fans might help them even up the score.

“Bring it back,” Simpson quipped when asked about the noise of affirmation – a term coined for West Coast’s perceived advantage they get from the umpires when playing in Perth.

“We need some more free kicks. We’re dropping away. I think Pies are up there at No.1 for free kicks, we might be slipping down.

“So we might need the crowd back to boost the numbers.”