EYEBROWS were raised when West Coast coach Adam Simpson announced six changes before Thursday night's comprehensive victory over Essendon.

Was it a sign of mild panic coming off a 45-point shellacking from Sydney before the bye? 

Were the reigning premiers second-guessing themselves after an up-and-down first half of the campaign?

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But when questioned how six changes impact a team's planning, Simpson's assured response was instructive, especially in hindsight.

"It's not too bad. No, we're OK," Simpson said the day before the clash.  

"It's not too often you make that many changes, but when you look at the side we still think it's quite balanced and experienced."

The most experienced Eagles outfit for the season, no less, and arguably their most balanced.

Sorely missed in the Swans defeat, cool-headed skipper Shannon Hurn (hamstring) and dual club champion Elliot Yeo (calf) were no-brainer inclusions, as was young tall Oscar Allen (ankle), even if out-of-sorts Nathan Vardy hadn't been suspended.

Exciting debutant Jarrod Cameron (two goals, seven tackles) was a like-for-like replacement for banned goalsneak Willie Rioli. 

Veteran wingman Chris Masten was recalled to counter the Bombers' spread, with tagger Mark Hutchings back to doing what he does best by locking onto damaging Dons half-back Adam Saad (12 disposals).  

They were calculated selections, including defender Jackson Nelson's return in place of Tom Cole for a shutdown job on Bombers firestarter Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (six disposals, one goal).

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The Eagles had learnt a harsh lesson in the corresponding fixture last season, when the Dons carved them up with the dash and dare and killed the game with eight unanswered goals, and after the Swans repeated the dose with their rebound last outing.  

Clearly, West Coast's coaching staff spent the bye well plotting their response.  

This was arguably their most complete performance for the year, save for the scoreboard in a wasteful 14.22 (106) to 11.5 (71) triumph.

And the news gets better for Simpson and his match committee ahead of a clash against Hawthorn at the MCG in round 15.

Full-back Tom Barrass (foot) will slot straight back in, assuming he gets through his WAFL return on Saturday. He might be needed to get up to speed quickly if Jeremy McGovern is suspended for rough conduct.  

Meanwhile, Rioli will also be back from his one-week ban against the Hawks, potentially forcing out Cameron despite his entertaining debut.  

The biggest headache is how exactly does star ruckman Nic Naitanui's impending return impact team balance? 

The spring-heeled big man will undoubtedly make his teammates walk taller, and his deft tapwork at centre bounces will allow West Coast's midfielders to get on the front foot in the 6-6-6 era.  

But what does it mean for Tom Hickey and Oscar Allen?

Hickey has been the Eagles' best ruck this year and was solid again with 18 touches, 26 hitouts and eight clearances opposed to Essendon big Tom Bellchambers.

Tom Hickey was back in good touch against the Bombers. Picture: AFL Photos

But with Naitanui, who never spent more than 70 per cent time on the field last year, set to lead the ruck, can Hickey get dangerous up forward?    

It doesn't seem the perfect fit, but with Vardy – who will be available after suspension – below his best this year it could be the best option Simpson has.

The Eagles' two-ruck policy worked last year because Scott Lycett could take a grab and hit the scoreboard (10 goals). Ditto for Vardy after Naitanui went down in round 17 with his second ruptured ACL.

Could Allen, who has been important for the structure as a third tall forward and pinch-hitting ruck, step up if called up on to ruck up to 40 per cent of a match?

It would be a big ask for a 20-year-old who only stands 192cm, albeit one the compliant youngster would embrace.

"It's up to the coaching staff. Obviously, I'll do whatever role the coaches give me to get a game," Allen told AFL.com.au.

"We'll just wait and see what happens in the upcoming week.

"Hopefully, Nic gets through on Saturday and plays a good game and we'll check from there."

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