Geelong might have had an indifferent start to the season, but West Coast coach Adam Simpson does not subscribe to any train of thought that the Cats are on the slide.
With nearly half of their side boasting premiership medals, the strong form of captain Joel Selwood and the unique challenge that Mark Blicavs provides, Simpson has no doubt that his Eagles are going to have their hands full at Domain Stadium on Sunday.
Geelong have won three of their past four outings against West Coast; the past two (including at Domain Stadium in 2013) by an average of 70.5 points per game.
The Eagles kicked four goals in the opening term of their round-four clash at Simonds Stadium last season, but didn't boot another one in the next three quarters.
"They have 10 premiership players in their side; they are more experienced in age and games played," Simpson said of the Cats. "There are some wins still left in the Cats, that's for sure.
"They haven't changed their side this week so there is a bit of stability there as well. You only have to look at their back six to see where they are at."
The Eagles have been forced to make one change, with Elliot Yeo suspended for one week for his high hit on St Kilda's Jimmy Webster.
But Scott Selwood is ready to play more minutes this week after starting as a sub for his return against the Saints. The Eagles will also debut impressive youngster Brant Colledge, who has been knocking on the door for a start all season.
Simpson has not ruled out a run-with role for Scott Selwood on his brother Joel.
"Joel is an exceptional player and is the heartbeat of their midfield, so no doubt at stages they will be playing on each other," he said.
"We are evolving in a different way (away from tagging each week), but in saying that we have had to account for some very good midfielders. Chris Judd for example, we had to put some time into (in round two) and I would have thought that Joel comes into that bracket.
"We're aware of (Blicavs') strengths and what he brings to their side and it's a different dynamic and it's quite unique, so he is hunting most weeks, hunting the best players from the opposition, or rucking and pushing hard forward.
"So he is playing to his strengths. He's a unique player and may need some attention."
"(Yeo) is a significant loss for us.
"It does have an effect because he has been so potent forward as well. He would have kicked eight or nine goals in three weeks for us.
"But Scott comes back into the side and we have Brant Colledge into the side as well.
"(Colledge) has had a good grounding at WAFL this year at East Perth. He finds the ball; he's 190cm; and he can play as a forward as well. He has some very good attributes as an inside mid and he can – he was drafted as a forward ... And he's only 20."
