WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson has dismissed last year's classic Grand Final as irrelevant to Saturday night's MCG rematch, believing Collingwood's injection of talent and improved system has taken the Magpies' threat to a whole new level.
The Pies have a number of new faces from the season decider, with Darcy Moore stiffening the backline, Dayne Beams returning to bolster the midfield and star forward Jamie Elliott adding to a lightning-fast attack.
After going down to a revitalised Geelong in round one, the Pies clicked into gear and dominated Richmond in round two, controlling contested possession (+24) and giving the Tigers the run-around through precision ball use.
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"They're better than last year in terms of talent and what we've seen from the vision and what we've scouted, they're even tighter with their system," Simpson said.
West Coast's underrated midfield matched the Magpies in three victories last year, including two at the MCG, but Beams' return from Brisbane has topped up the AFL's deepest engine room.
With Taylor Adams set to return from a finger injury, Collingwood is set to have its full star-studded brigade together for the first time.
Simpson wouldn't reveal if tagger Mark Hutchings would be sent to Steele Sidebottom after holding him to just 14 touches in the Grand Final, but All Australian ruckman Brodie Grundy can expect close attention from Nathan Vardy and Tom Hickey.
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"I think we've got to put time into opposition rucks, particularly when they're that calibre," Simpson said.
"It's pretty good (Collingwood's midfield). I wouldn't say scary, I think it's one of their strengths.
"But when we look at Collingwood, obviously the midfield, they've got a lot of depth in it, but there's only so many spots you can fill.
"What complements their talent is the way they play in terms of their system and the way they defend and the way they attack.
"We think it's more bigger picture – the total football side of things – than just their raw talent.
"There's lots of clubs with raw talent, it's what you do with it, and I think they're in a pretty good space in that area."
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The Eagles could have three changes from the side which thumped the Giants by 52 points, headlined by star midfielder Andrew Gaff's comeback from an eight-game suspension.
"He's been in a pretty good space for a long period of time now, so I think he's just ready to play," Simpson said.
"He probably doesn't like being the centre of attention when it comes to these things – which not many people would – so I think we'll just let him play and do his thing."
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Small forward Jamie Cripps is a likely starter after toe surgery, while defender Will Schofield is in the mix to replace Liam Duggan (knee) after his standout Grand Final performance on Jordan De Goey, who bagged five goals against Richmond.
But the Eagles are also considering blooding Josh Rotham or Francis Watson in the cauldron of the Grand Final rematch, with Simpson declaring the duo ready for senior football.
"It's always a challenge, and it's a good one for match committee, what you know versus playing some kids and bringing some youth through," he said.
"We know Schoey didn't let us down last year in the last game of the year.
"He can play on talls and smalls as well. That's one thing about Collingwood's front half, they might not be too tall but they compete well and they can play tall."
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