WEST Coast delivered another statement to the competition on Saturday night, but coach Adam Simpson says the Eagles' hold over Collingwood would mean nothing if the premiership contenders meet again at the pointy end of the season.
The Eagles' 22-point win over Collingwood at the MCG was the third straight time the club has travelled to Melbourne and overcome the Magpies.
West Coast has now won four matches in a row against the Pies, and seven of the past nine – a streak that includes last year's brilliant last-gasp Grand Final win.
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But Simpson said the club hadn't traced back through previous victories before adding to its run of wins.
"I think the style of Collingwood has changed this year, so that's a different thing we've got to deal with. The fact is we've won a few games in a row against the Pies, but every game is different," he said post-game.
"We didn't look at the Grand Final or the last time we played at all, because it's different. And the next time we play them will be different again.
"I'm just really pleased with our players. The resilience they've got at the moment and the confidence, obviously coming off a premiership you'd think there's a bit of inner belief there. [I was] a little bit unsure of where that was at but tonight we saw it."
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The reigning premiers have responded well after their round one stumble against Brisbane, thrashing Greater Western Sydney last week at Optus Stadium before accounting for the Pies.
Simpson praised returning midfielder Andrew Gaff for his effort in the win, after the midfielder gathered 35 disposals in a best-afield display after serving his eight-match suspension for striking Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw.
He also highlighted the role of Brad Sheppard, who also missed last year's flag through injury, after he kept Collingwood star Jordan De Goey quiet after the forward booted two first-quarter goals.
Liam Ryan taking strong marks and Dom Sheed kicking goals at the MCG against the Magpies.... have we seen this before?#AFLPiesEagles pic.twitter.com/wbx3EMEWbY
— AFL (@AFL) April 6, 2019
The Eagles' forward half all contributed to the win, with Jamie Cripps booting four goals, Josh Kennedy slotting three and youngsters Oscar Allen, Jack Petruccelle and Liam Ryan all effective in the front half.
"What Liam did tonight was sensational with his pressure. He broke all records within the club for his pressure, which we're really proud of because when he got to the club it wasn't really part of his game that he concentrated on," Simpson said.
"We're really pleased with his development."