Young West Coast midfielder Brad Ebert says the Eagles were convinced they could match Geelong during the build-up to yesterday's clash at Subiaco Oval and were not surprised at nearly causing what would have been the upset of the season so far.

The raging premiership favourites prevailed by 22 points to claim an 11th consecutive win to keep in touch with St Kilda at the top of the ladder, but not before West Coast mounted a serious challenge.

The Eagles closed to within three points of the visitors early in the third term but were eventually outrun by a Geelong side who seem destined for further September glory.

Ebert, 19, said his side was pleased with its performance despite an early Cats onslaught, which saw five Geelong goals on the board before the Eagles had registered a score.

"During the week we were pretty confident going into the game that we could match it with them," Ebert said.

"Being at Subi and where we're heading we thought that we could really push them.

"I suppose it was just disappointing in that first 10 minutes where we sort of let them get that run-on and those five goals, then after that we thought we matched it."

The youthful Eagles are targeting consistency in their performances this season and yesterday's improved form put them back on the right track.

Repeating that effort against Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night has become their sole focus despite the obvious distraction of coming face-to-face with Ben Cousins for the first time since he was dumped by the WA club in October 2007.

"We've shown that we can beat the Power and the Bulldogs but then came out the next week and lost to St Kilda, so we're really working towards that," Ebert said.

"I think in the last few weeks we've really shown a bit more consistency in our performances and we're just really hoping to step that up from now on.

"Our focus completely switches now from Geelong to Richmond and Richmond have been close in games and they've shown some promise as well, so hopefully we can just go over to Melbourne and get the win.

"We haven't really talked about playing against Ben Cousins or anything like that.

"I know that that will be the hype around the game, but on a personal note I wasn't at the club when Ben was here so it's really just about going into another game and he's just another opponent."

PERTH SHAYNE HOPE