STAR West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey feels for Grand Final absentees Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff and Brad Sheppard, but says the gun trio will know they have contributed if the Eagles hoist the premiership cup on Saturday.
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However, with the job still to do against Collingwood, the Eagles haven't been consumed by thoughts about their missing teammates – and nor would they have wanted it to be that way.
"To be honest, we haven't thought too much about it," Shuey told AFL.com.au.
"It would be hard for them watching on, but they've handled it really well.
"They've been a big part of what we've continued to do, even though they haven't been out there to train or play.
"They'll be a big part of it tomorrow as well. If we're fortunate enough to win tomorrow, they can hold their heads high knowing they've played a big role in it."
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Losing Naitanui to his second ruptured ACL in round 17 against Collingwood was seen by many as a killer blow to the Eagles' flag hopes.
When ball magnet Gaff was suspended for eight games three weeks later – rubbing him out for the season – it looked to be the final straw for the Eagles' maligned midfield.
By the time underrated backman Sheppard went down in the qualifying final, many were questioning just how many A-graders the Eagles could lose before the scales tipped against them.
But Adam Simpson's side has been able to call upon reliable soldiers, with Nathan Vardy, Dom Sheed and Will Schofield stepping into the breach with minimum disruption.
"We're a role-based team, so everyone just plays their role and stays focused," midfielder Jack Redden told AFL.com.au.
"We've done that all year. I think tomorrow will be pretty similar to every other game."
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The engine-room battle will be pivotal on Grand Final day, with the Eagles facing a star-studded line-up led by All Australian big man Brodie Grundy, with the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Adam Treloar and Steele Sidebottom at ground level.
West Coast obliterated Melbourne's midfield in the preliminary final, partly due to keeping giant Max Gawn quiet, and Vardy and Scott Lycett's ruck contest with Grundy could be decisive.
"It's going to take both of them to really contribute and work him over for four quarters," Redden said.
"It's a bit of a team effort and I'm sure they'll get the job done, and we're really confident.
"I think we just need balance around the stoppage. You don't get too many flush ones (hit-outs), so it's just follow up at ground level and make sure the pressure up and the tackle pressure is good."
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Shuey insisted his tweaked left ankle is fine, with the dynamic onballer pulling up better than expected after being in serious pain during the preliminary final.
"I was able to train all week. I've probably got more out of the week than I initially expected to," he said.
"I think it would take a fair injury to keep someone out of a Grand Final."
The 28-year-old is one of 12 survivors from the diabolical 2015 loss Hawthorn who are gunning for Grand Final redemption, and was confident the calmness and maturity of the Eagles would work in their favour against the Pies.
"I don't know whether '15, actually being part of the Grand Final, has had an impact this week, but the extra three years' experience has certainly helped," he said.
"Our young guys have been put under big occasion circumstances all year, and hopefully this weekend is no different for them."
