• Grand Final preview: Hawthorn v West Coast
• Last time they met: Hawthorn v West Coast
• Teams: Full line-ups for the Grand Final
WEST Coast's defenders are confident the team's zone-defence, the 'Weagles' Web', can stand up under the pressure of a Grand Final.
The Eagles' defensive system is set to face the sternest of tests coming up against the Hawks, the No.1 ranked offensive team in the AFL.
The task was made that little bit tougher with star Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston named to play after overcoming an ankle injury.
West Coast's system of having its defenders largely guard space, rather than man-up on a direct opponent, as is the norm, was borne out of necessity with season-ending injuries to key backmen Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown at the start of the year.
But Adam Simpson and his coaching staff have refined the unique defensive structure, which had Richmond coach Damien Hardwick lauding the Eagles after their battle in round 12 earlier this season.
"Simmo's developed this game plan to stand up on the big stage," Eagles defender Brad Sheppard told AFL.com.au at Friday's Grand Final Parade.
"There's no bigger game than the Grand Final, so we'll wait and see how we go."
Sheppard, who has enjoyed a breakout season, has often found himself having to defend against far taller opponents this season.
He said the pressure up the field was vitally important for the way the Eagles defender positioned themselves on the field.
The Eagles rely on their hybrid defenders, including Sheppard, and at times Sharrod Wellingham and Elliot Yeo, to utilise their mobility and scamper back in transition to pick up the most dangerous opponent regardless of the size of the opponent.
Jeremy McGovern's elite intercept marking is another key feature of West Coast's defence, with the key utility often feasting on wayward and rushed kicks forward.
"We won't go away from anything we've been doing because that's helped us get here," McGovern said.
"We've tested our defence in our two finals so far and we've got massive belief in our system."
Yeo, who has relished his opportunity in the midfield, was forced to play in defence, after McGovern went down with a hamstring injury, against the Hawks in the clubs' home and away fixture in round 19.
He expects to play all over the ground on Saturday, suggesting the club's defenders must be flexible with whatever pops up during the game, particularly with the chance of Cyril Rioli or Jarryd Roughead catching fire at any stage.
"I've always got to be prepared for what role I have to play," Yeo said.
