WEST Coast appears set to regain key defender Jeremy McGovern for next week's clash with Adelaide that could confirm a top-two finish.
The Eagles experimented with a smaller defence against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday as both McGovern and Will Schofield were missing with hamstring injuries.
The lack of height didn't matter as the Eagles trounced the Bulldogs by 77 points to go six points clear of Hawthorn in second spot on the ladder. They now need to win just one of their last two matches to guarantee a home qualifying final.
But while Simpson was pleased with the performance of his side, he said he would not want to gamble with a smaller defence come finals time.
Click here for full match coverage and stats
"It's a bit of an experiment at the moment," Simpson said post-match.
"We're not quite sure how long that can last.
"We took a bit of a risk. Obviously we won the game so we'll take that. The biggest thing is we've got no injuries (from the match).
"We've got some players coming back. We tried something a little bit different. It paid off for us but I don't think you want to play like that every week."
Simpson all but confirmed McGovern would play against the Crows at Adelaide Oval next Sunday afternoon.
"He could've played this week to be honest," Simpson said.
"We held him back the extra week so we're hoping that he trains and gets through the week."
WATCH: Adam Simpson's full post-match media conference
Simpson was not as bullish about Schofield's availability.
"Not quite sure on Will," Simpson said.
"Initially it was a one-week (injury), but we'll see how we go."
Scott Selwood (ankle) and Sam Butler (hamstring) may also be available for selection, but midfielder Chris Masten will miss another match through suspension.
Simpson said the Eagles were not considering resting players ahead of September despite being almost guaranteed a top-two finish with matches against the Crows and St Kilda to come.
"I don't feel like we're in a position where we need to rest players," Simpson said.
"I think it's dangerous for us.
"At the moment we're enjoying the ride we're on and I don't really want to mess it up by trying to manage players through games."
The Eagles could still claim the minor premiership if they win the next two matches and Fremantle loses one of its last two games against Melbourne and Port Adelaide (away), but Simpson said he had not given top spot any thought.
"It's all about Adelaide to be honest," Simpson said.
"We want to win this week, so we'll prepare our best side to do that. They're in really good form."
