WEST Coast has defied the critics all season and midfielder Jack Redden is confident the Eagles can keep proving their doubters wrong as they eye a Grand Final berth. 

Despite finishing in second spot on the ladder and overcoming a fired-up Collingwood in a rollicking qualifying final at Optus Stadium, the Eagles still haven't convinced some observers of their premiership credentials. 

However, Redden shrugged-off the doubters ahead of a home preliminary final against either Hawthorn or Melbourne on Saturday week.

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"Within the four walls everyone's really confident with our group and where we're headed," Redden said.

"It's been like that all year, to be honest. We've had our doubters all the way along and here we are sitting ready for a prelim.

"We're just going to keep doing our thing and make sure we prep really well and hopefully prove them wrong.

"We'll get the credit if we get the wins."

Despite losing vital defender Brad Sheppard (hamstring) in the opening term, West Coast overran the Pies with a barnstorming five-goal-to-one fourth quarter.

Star onballer Elliot Yeo (nine possessions) and Redden (10) were catalysts for the comeback from 10 points down at the last change, going to another level after a rare spray from midfield coach Sam Mitchell.

"Our work rate was probably a bit off as midfielders and they were probably outworking us to stoppages," Redden said.

"He (Mitchell) came down pretty fired up, he knocked the (frozen Gatorade) cup out of my hand and splashed it all over my face, actually.

"The boys responded really well and the midfielders stood up in the last."

Redden, who crossed from Brisbane at the end of 2015 chasing September success, finished with 32 touches and will play his first preliminary final next Saturday in his 10th season.

"I just want to play in September pretty much, and have a bit of success throughout my career, so I'm really glad I made that decision," he said.

"It probably didn't work out the way I would have liked the first year and a half, but I think I've learned a lot and I think my game has developed since then."

The Eagles had a light training session on Monday afternoon, with spearhead Josh Kennedy joining his teammates after a successful return from a hairline fracture in his shin.

Sheppard, small forward Willie Rioli and ruckman Scott Lycett were unsighted at Subiaco Oval.

If Sheppard misses the preliminary final it would break a run of 95 consecutive games, currently the equal fourth-longest streak in the AFL.

"Shattered for him, and I'm sure he'll be around the clubs with high spirit still," Redden said.

"He was optimistic (after the game), he was positive, he was walking around, which is a good sign, but it's hard to know until the scans come back."

Experienced backman Will Schofield looks likely to receive a lifeline after suffering the heartache of being left out against Collingwood.

"I feel like we've got a lot of depth there (in defence), and (there is) the squad mentality, next man up," Redden said.

"Schoey has done a heap of work, so he'll be ready if it's him."