ADAM Simpson says the Eagles will watch the weekend's matches intently hoping they are still alive in the finals race by the time they face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.
West Coast needs Hawthorn to beat Collingwood on Friday night and the Sydney Swans to beat Richmond on Saturday to remain in the hunt for eighth spot.
Simpson said the next 48 hours would be an emotional rollercoaster.
"It starts tonight for us," Simpson said on Friday.
"We can't control any of these things but we're human.
"We'll be watching the games. I'll get the players together after Saturday night's game and we'll assess what's happened.
"But there is no doubt the guys will be watching. I wont stop them from watching the game."
If results go the Eagles' way, they still need to beat Gold Coast and hope that Adelaide don't surpass the Eagles' percentage with a huge win over St Kilda on Sunday afternoon.
Simpson said percentage did not factor into his plans for Sunday.
"I haven't thought about that once," Simpson said.
"We just want to win, and we'll let the rest of it take care of itself. I'm honest when I say that."
The Eagles have made some bold moves at selection. Dean Cox has been rested due to soreness and won't even fly in a coaching capacity in the hope that he can be right for a possible final. His retirement could begin as early as Friday night if Collingwood were to win.
Nic Naitanui returns after missing last week with Achilles soreness. The big inclusions are midfielders Scott Selwood and Elliot Yeo.
Selwood has not played since round 12 following ankle surgery. Yeo has been absent since breaking his hand in round 13.
Simpson said it was a bonus to get the pair back for the must-win clash.
"I don't think we'll see them at their best," Simpson said.
"But what they have been doing at training has been really positive and they're ready to go."
Simpson was wary of the Eagles being mentally flat for Sunday's clash if other results eliminated them from the finals race before the ball is even bounced.
"There's always that danger," Simpson said.
"It's my role to make sure they’re up and about and ready to go."
