WEST Coast will find out whether it is a premiership contender over the next five weeks, Eagles coach Adam Simpson says.

The Eagles have swept almost all before them over the first 15 rounds to sit second on the ladder and put themselves in the box seat for their first finals appearance since 2012.

Much has been made of the fact that they sit alongside premiership favourite Hawthorn as the only other team to average more than 100 points in attack and concede less than 72 points a game in defence.

But Simpson said the real test would come over the next five weeks when the Eagles face Collingwood away, the Sydney Swans at home, Gold Coast away and Hawthorn and Fremantle at home.

"It's a bit of an unknown how we are traveling this year," Simpson said.

"We'll find out a lot about ourselves in the next month, but we're looking forward to it and we're excited. The players are up and about and they're well prepared, so we're looking forward to the challenge."

The Magpies have lost each of their past three matches but Simpson said that is not an indicator of how they are playing.

"I think there is genuine belief in what they do," Simpson said.

"They are a young side and putting a lot of pressure on. That type of style and brand that they're playing is hard to combat. You have to be right on. You have to match them in pressure and it's a finals-type brand of football that Nathan (Buckley) has got them playing.

"I know they haven't got over the line the past few weeks, but they are playing a style that will stand up in big games."

Simpson said he is pleased with the form of his midfield but they still had a lot of improvement left.

He did single out the performances and leadership of Matt Priddis as a key to the Eagles' form.

Simpson said the 2014 Brownlow medallist is having a better season than he did last year.

"His numbers suggest that and his influence on the side in the way he leads does as well," Simpson said.

"From a personal point of view, it's hard to describe his leadership qualities that I reckon have elevated from last year.

"Whether that's helping his football I can't tell you. But the numbers probably suggest he's having a better season and from my point of view his leadership's gone to another level."

Priddis is averaging more disposals and clearances per week this year compared to last but he is slightly shy on goals and contested possessions.