WEST Coast midfielder Luke Shuey says he is ready for the biggest game of his short career after an ideal learning curve in his first two September appearances.

Shuey, who finished runner-up in the 2011 NAB AFL Rising Star award, shapes as an important player if the Eagles are to upset Geelong in Saturday's preliminary final at the MCG. 

The 21-year-old has played every game in an outstanding season, but he was caught out by the pace of his first final, against Collingwood a fortnight ago, with three separate Magpies catching him holding the ball. 

As a result he made some adjustments to his game in a classic semi-final against the Blues last Saturday night, but a number of his 17 disposals were rushed, particularly early.

Coach John Worsfold has encouraged the young star to play his natural game against the Cats, and the young star said he was confident he could have an impact on the big stage this Saturday.

"I went into the Collingwood game thinking I was ready and got found out," Shuey said on Wednesday. "But it's all part of the process of learning.

"I think I've learnt that you can't hold the ball for too long in finals footy and I obviously improved on that from last week. Hopefully I'll keep on improving.
 
"I'm confident I can stand up this week and have an impact."

Shuey described Saturday's memorable three-point win over Carlton at Patersons Stadium as "the hardest game we've had all year", with the players having a light week on the track as a result.

The classy midfielder said there was a mood of excitement building among the players but he didn't subscribe to the theory that anything achieved from this point on is a bonus for the 2010 wooden spooners.
 
"We've obviously come a long way in 12 months," he said. "I've heard a lot of talk this week that if we were to get knocked out this week we shouldn't be too disappointed because we've had a successful year.

"But that's not the way we're looking at it. We're certainly backing ourselves in and there's no second prizes in this competition, unfortunately.

"We're going to go out there with a mindset to win and if we don't, we're going to be extremely disappointed. I think we're certainly ready to take it on."

Nathan Schmook covers West Coast news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_NSchmook