Eagles ready for fight
Simpson rates Pies as toughest challenge ROUND 17
WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson believes Friday night’s Grand Final rematch will be his team’s toughest test to date, despite Collingwood’s poor recent form.
The Magpies have dropped off significantly over the past three weeks, with their inconsistent efforts raising the ire of coach Nathan Buckley.
Collingwood followed an unconvincing nine-point win over the Bulldogs with a 44point loss to North Melbourne.
Last week’s upset four-point loss to Hawthorn raised furing confidence following its 91point demolition of Fremantle.
The Eagles have won four straight against the Magpies — including last year’s epic Grand Final.
Despite that strong record and Collingwood’s recent form wobbles, Simpson is bracing his players for a fierce test.
“They had a bit of a blowout (loss) two weeks ago, just like we had a blowout three weeks ago,” he told Channel 7.
“So I don’t see the same sort of concerns (with Collingwood) as perhaps everyone else.
“I feel like every team goes through some form slumps, but the fact is they’ve been winning for most weeks.
“We look at it as probably the biggest challenge of the year this week.”
West Coast can open a twomatch gap on Collingwood if it wins. A loss would see the Magpies join West Coast on 11 wins, which would open up a fierce race for second place.
Simpson said forward Josh Kennedy, who missed the derby win with the flu, would return against Collingwood.
Meanwhile, he was not overly fussed by the Harry Highpants joke from Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass following the derby win.
The star defensive duo pulled their shorts up high while posing for the official derby-winning photo with their teammates.
“I was in that team photo and just before that photo was taken Luke Shuey said, ‘Nothing silly boys’. Clearly ‘Gov’ and Barrass weren’t listening,” Simpson said.
“There’s a fine line isn’t it between a bit of humour and respecting (sponsor) RAC and the derby. It’s a fine line, but I think it was in good humour.”