WEST Coast goalsneak Willie Rioli says the bigger bodies of his rivals hold no fears for him as he prepares to play more midfield minutes during the upcoming finals series.

Rioli starred as a small forward during last year's premiership campaign, and he was on track to play an important midfield role this season before a serious foot injury over the summer curtailed those plans.

The 24-year-old has been steadily building up his match fitness since making his AFL return in round nine, and he's now at the stage where he can play a large chunk of game time in the midfield.

Rioli's smarts have proven invaluable whenever he's drifted into the midfield, and he looms as an X-factor during the club's finals campaign, starting with Thursday night's elimination showdown against Essendon.

The speedy forward stands at just 175cm and weighs 77kg, but he says he won't be daunted by his bigger opponents.

"I played a lot of footy in the midfield during my junior days. I won't shy away going in there with the bigger bodies," Rioli said.

"I'd like to go 50-50 (between forward and midfield duties).

"But we've got good mids in there and mids who are probably the best in the game. I generally try not to take their flame away. So I'll say 40 per cent I might go in there.

"But if our mids are on top, I like seeing them go to work and it gives me more energy to be a threat in the forward line."

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West Coast boast arguably the fastest forward line in the competition.

Jack Petruccelle, Rioli, Liam Ryan, and Jamie Cripps all have the ability to burn off opponents.

But who is the fastest?

"I'll let Petruccelle take it," Rioli said with a laugh.

"Younger, quicker ... I'll give the younger boys the chocolates.

"But if it comes to kicking or skills I'll beat them all."

West Coast's speed will be crucial when they attempt to curb Essendon's rebounding prowess.

Adam Saad and Conor McKenna are Essendon's fastest and most dangerous rebounding defenders.

Rioli said it was vital for West Coast's forward line to bring intense pressure.

"That's going to be a main focus," he said.

"When Essendon's backs are up and going, that's generally when they win games.

"We know that we've got to be on our toes us half forwards. If we can be a threat the other way, hopefully they're not going to have the energy to attack the other way."

The Eagles are set to be boosted by the return of Nic Naitanui, while defender Will Schofield is also a chance to earn a call-up.