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Eagles didn't deserve finals: Simpson

Jack Darling kicks a goal against the Suns. Pic: AFL Media

Coach Adam Simpson declared West Coast did not deserve to play finals after a heartbreaking last round left them in ninth position.

The Eagles entered yesterday's game against Gold Coast knowing they couldn't play finals after Richmond upset Sydney by three points on Saturday.

The Swans were without Lance Franklin (knee), Josh Kennedy (hamstring), Ben McGlynn (calf), Mike Pyke (ill) and Craig Bird (knee), but all are expected to play in Saturday's first qualifying final against Fremantle at ANZ Stadium.

Simpson said the Eagles only had themselves to blame for not being a part of September.

"You get what you deserve," Simpson said.

"I think we might have finished ninth. I don't think we've beaten someone in the final top eight.

"We've seen improvement, no doubt, especially in the back half of the year.

"I think we won seven out of 11. But we're not satisfied, that's for sure."

Acting captain Josh Kennedy kicked eight goals in West Coast's 23.13 (151) to 15.9 (99) victory at Metricon Stadium, but was reported for striking David Swallow in the second quarter.

The Eagles won 11 games, two more than last season under John Worsfold, and boasted a superior percentage. However, seven of their victories were against teams which finished in the bottom six.

Simpson said they needed to bolster their midfield to become more competitive with the top teams.

That was likely to be done through the draft, rather than trading. He said the midfield had performed well under duress this season.

"There's been four of five regular senior players we've missed," Simpson said.

"Even seeing Elliot Yeo today come back in and have a bit of influence with his size and strength in the middle is pleasing.

"(Scott) Selwood playing his first game in 10 weeks.

"So once we get our full personnel back I think we'll be quite competitive.

"Having said that, we've still got some work to do."

Simpson was happy that his players had performed well after witnessing Richmond's heroics at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

"I feel like we were evolving as a club throughout the year," Simpson said.

"I feel we're better placed.

"We had a patch where we lost seven out of eight games.

"I feel like since then we've seen improvement with our ball use, our competitive instincts have lifted and I feel like we're better placed.

"We just haven't been good enough."