FRESH from a seventh successive win, a red-hot West Coast could regain a host of stars for its top-of-the-table clash with reigning premier Richmond at Optus Stadium next Saturday night.
In the wake of the Eagles' grinding 25-point win over Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium, coach Adam Simpson said Jeremy McGovern (calf) and Nic Naitanui (suspension) could be joined by Dom Sheed (foot) and Lewis Jetta (calf) against the Tigers.
SEVEN IN A ROW: Full match coverage and stats
"I'm assuming [McGovern] will be available, along with Nic and perhaps Dom Sheed... and maybe Lewis Jetta. We will have to see how they went today, at rehab, and assess our boys," Simpson said.
If the Eagles coach harboured any lingering doubts about his team's credentials, they were swept away by Saturday afternoon's win over the Giants in swirling and scrappy conditions in Sydney.
"I need to take a little bit of a breath," Simpson laughed after the win. "Get in the Virgin Lounge and just have a quiet one before that settles down.
"I think we've got a magnificent opportunity against the best, (the Tigers) are in as good as form as they've ever been and we're playing with a pretty good spirit at the moment."
WATCH: Adam Simpson's full post-match media conference
His West Coast team is top of the ladder for Saturday night, at least, and could still be there at the end of the round if the Kangaroos can upset the Tigers on Sunday.
He won't have any talk of premiership chances though, not at this early stage in the season, preferring to deflecting praise on to his players.
"Everyone dares to dream, we're no different. We're not changing our focus about what we're about. We've got a few early wins this year which is bloody great, really pleased with that but there's no thought about that stuff," he said.
With their returning stars, plus a double 'Jack attack' in four-goal hero Darling and rejuvenated midfielder Redden, the Eagles should have some quiet confidence ahead of the mouth-watering clash.
If they can get over the in-form Tigers, and it seems anything is possible at their new Optus Stadium fortress, then it will be the first time since 2005 that the Eagles will have collected eight consecutive victories.
