WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson is bracing his side for its toughest challenge of 2020 when they host a Greater Western Sydney outfit reeling from last week's embarrassment.
The Giants were held to their equal-lowest score in history against Sydney and will front up against an Eagles line-up aiming for eight-straight wins on Sunday.
ROUNDS 13-18 Check out the full fixture
Simpson will aim to play his strongest available side as the Eagles embark on a run of five matches in 19 days.
"I don't think we need to guard against it, I think it's coming," Simpson said of the impending Giants bounce back.
"Knowing Leon reasonably well, I worked with him in a small office at Hawthorn for a few years, and knowing the way they play, they've been up five years.
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"His record is probably the best in terms of positions on the ladder (in those years) outside of winning a premiership.
"We understand it was a down (Giants) performance on the weekend, (but) wasn't the first team we've seen do that this year, I've got no doubt he'll get them going.
"I said to the players today, 'This will be the toughest game of the season for us this week'."
From the side that beat Hawthorn last week, the Eagles will be without Jack Redden (adductor), while Elliot Yeo (groin) and Jake Waterman (hand) will miss again.
The lack of midfield options could also see the Eagles throw defender Liam Duggan into the midfield as he returns from a week out with hamstring tightness.
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Tagger Mark Hutchings is in the mix for his first game of 2020 despite an interrupted build-up that has included a persistent knee complaint and more recently a cut toe sustained in a gym mishap.
Simpson said his side would only consider resting its stars on a needs basis, which includes the prospect of Tom Hickey or Bailey Williams coming in should Nic Naitanui need a spell.
