Priddis backs the Eagles brand
Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis believes West Coast are capable of beating any team this season, with results over the next month likely to determine their finals legitimacy.
The Eagles have been kicking goals on and off the field since round three, with a five-game winning streak propelling them to second spot on the ladder and helping the club establish a new membership record.
West Coast this week signed up their 59,029th member, beating the previous record of 59,009 set in September 2013, and are hopeful of joining Port Adelaide as the only non-Victorian club to break the 60,000 mark before the end of the year.
Their 6-2 win-loss record has them well positioned for a return to the finals in their second season under coach Adam Simpson, something which appeared beyond them during the pre-season because of long-term injuries to Eric Mackenzie (knee) and Jack Darling (foot).
Priddis said he was not surprised by the Eagles’ form.
He admitted the four games between now and their round-13 bye, beginning with tomorrow’s crucial clash with Geelong at Domain Stadium, would be a true test of West Coast’s finals credentials.
After tomorrow, the Eagles venture to Hobart to play North Melbourne, host Essendon at Domain Stadium and play Richmond at the MCG.
“We’re playing a brand of footy that we believe can stand up in the big games and we’ve still got a lot of improvement in that as well,” Priddis said.
“We believe we can beat anyone. We believe we’ve got the game and the team to challenge most sides and that’s exciting.
“It will be pretty clear how we’re going once this month is over.
“We’re a developing side and if we got the opportunity to play finals, that would be great.”
The Eagles made one change to the side which belted St Kilda at Etihad Stadium last Saturday, with Brant Colledge rewarded for his tremendous WAFL form by replacing the suspended Elliot Yeo.
The Cats made no changes after defeating Carlton by 77 points last Friday night in Mick Malthouse’s final game as coach of the Blues.
Geelong have struggled to find consistency this season, going into round nine with a 4-4 record.
But Priddis said having played against dominant Cats outfits of the past decade, he knew not to take them lightly.
“Half of their side are premiership players,” he said.
“They’ve been a very good side for a very long time and we’ve got a lot of respect for Geelong.
“We can’t wait to get out there and test ourselves against them.”
