West Coast will discipline their strongest aspect since spherical three once they tackle Richmond in Perth on Sunday, however coach Adam Simpson is not getting carried away.
The return of Shannon Hurn and Luke Shuey this week means West Coast are lacking simply 5 gamers from their greatest 22.
It’s a far cry from earlier this yr when the Eagles have been lacking as much as 12 of their greatest gamers.
The current returns of Jeremy McGovern, Tom Cole, Jack Darling, Jamie Cripps, and Tom Barrass have bolstered West Coast’s squad.
It means solely Nic Naitanui (achilles), Liam Ryan (hamstring), Jamaine Jones (ankle), Jake Waterman (sickness) and Elliot Yeo (hip) are lacking from their greatest 22.
Yeo might return as early as subsequent week.
Not because the spherical three western derby – when West Coast misplaced McGovern, Ryan, Shuey, Cripps and Alex Witherden to harm in the identical match – have the Eagles fielded such a powerful aspect.
It’s even allowed West Coast to start out out-of-form wingman Andrew Gaff because the tactical sub this week.
“It’s been a while,” Simpson mentioned of getting the majority of his squad again collectively.
“But I think having the names on the paper is different than having the form and the synergy, so we’ve got to taper (expectations) a little bit.
“”Getting the synergy of our best players playing with our kids – we haven’t had that yet. So this week might be the first step.”
The Eagles will try to snap a 14-match dropping streak once they tackle the Tigers.
West Coast nearly toppled St Kilda at Optus Stadium two weeks in the past, main by 31 factors earlier than dropping a thriller by eight factors.
Richmond have gained 4 out of their previous 5 video games underneath interim coach Andrew McQualter to remain within the finals combine.
Star Richmond veteran Dustin Martin has been in sturdy type of late, tallying 35 disposals and 6 clearances in a win over St Kilda a fortnight in the past, earlier than following it up with 29 possessions, six clearances and a objective in final week’s overcome Sydney.
“I think he’s had a terrific year of football,” McQualter mentioned.
“Also, it’s not all about stats for Dustin the way he impacts our game.
“He’s clearly such a giant presence for opposition groups and he can impression video games in plenty of methods.
“We think he’s in a great patch of form, doing a lot of team things for us and I’m sure he’ll be keen to continue that.”
Richmond have recalled ruckman Ivan Soldo to interchange the suspended Toby Nankervis.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
