Priddis wants to beat more than easybeats
Midfielder Matt Priddis says West Coast need to beat a top-four side to show they are the real deal after mauling a depleted Greater Western Sydney yesterday.
The Eagles' four wins in 2014 have come against lower-ranked sides the Western Bulldogs (65 points), Melbourne (93 points) and St Kilda (25 points) and the Giants.
But they face a red-hot Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, May 24 after this weekend's bye.
"We are always switched on to who we're playing next, we are just fortunate that we've got a few days extra to prepare," Priddis said.
"The boys will freshen up mentally and physically, but we'll be ready for the challenge and the month ahead.
"We need to beat a top-four side, that's what we need to do to show what we're capable of.
"But we've got that challenge ahead of us and that's what we're working towards.
"We need that consistency of performance between quarters, but also week to week so today is a benchmark and we need to make sure we bring that effort and work rate every single week and we will be a good side. But until we do that, we are just another side."
Priddis was at his industrious best in the clinches against the young Giants, his 27 possessions and a goal featuring 13 clearances.
"We are fortunate that Nic (Naitanui) and Dean (Cox) are really getting that chemistry and our midfield group are working well together," Priddis said.
"We are getting guys like (Elliot) Yeo, Shannon Hurn, Jack Darling, (Jamie) Cripps coming through the midfield, so we're getting a really good blend in there and we have got to keep those rotations coming and it will become a real strength of ours."
Priddis said the Eagles didn't change their routine in the lead-up to yesterday despite their ongoing struggles in front of goal.
"It's nice to play four quarters of footy and that's what it was all about," Priddis said.
"We were able to win the contested footy, win clearances and give our forwards good opportunity and today they really took their opportunities.
"We haven't changed anything, we continue to have our goal-kicking practice throughout the week like we do every week, but today we showed what we were capable of.
"When we do get those inside 50s up the forward line, we are a real force to be reckoned with.
"We have got a great blend of smalls and talls."
