WEST Coast forward Jamie Cripps says as exciting as it is to qualify for a home preliminary final, there are bigger prizes on offer for the Eagles.
Cripps collected 13 touches, laid six tackles and kicked two goals in the Eagles' 32-point win over Hawthorn on Friday night.
The 23-year-old began his career at St Kilda but didn't play a final in two years at the club before crossing over to West Coast at the end of 2012.
He said Friday night was an incredible atmosphere to be a part of.
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"That was the first final I've actually played," Cripps told AFL.com.au.
"To get the win over the Hawks is really exciting. Can't wait for two weeks time.
"It's exciting times. (We can't) get too far ahead of ourselves. We've got bigger fish to fry in a couple of weeks."
The Eagles' pressure was exceptional on Friday night and Cripps led the charge.
He has been the second-most prolific tackler at the Eagles this season behind Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis.
Although they were beaten handsomely in the tackle count, the Eagles scarcely missed a tackle and won a number of vital holding the ball decisions to cause turnovers.
"We've been doing a lot of work with our tackling during the pre-season," Cripps said.
"We're a good tackling side. We just wanted to put pressure on them and make sure they couldn't get into their forward 50."
Cripps said he has been pleased with his season that has yielded 34 goals as a small forward who occasionally runs through the midfield.
He's also endured an unusual year injury-wise. He was stung by a stingray just two days out from the round four clash with the Brisbane Lions and he also copped a heavy hit to the jaw in the round 20 Western Derby that saw Fremantle defender Alex Silvagni suspended for four weeks.
"It's been a bit of a funny year with all that stuff," Cripps said.
"But it's all good. I'm feeling really good after tonight's game and it should be good to have a couple of weeks off.
"Travelling all year is pretty taxing on the body. So having a week off going into a preliminary final is huge."
