WEST Coast coach John Worsfold says he has his resurgent team in the perfect position to launch a successful finals campaign following Saturday night's 95-point win over Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.
The Eagles will take a fit and in-form squad to face Collingwood at the MCG next Saturday, with star midfielder Daniel Kerr expected to return from a back injury for the club's first final in four years.
Half-back Sam Butler made an impressive return against the Crows, and Worsfold expects both key defender Will Schofield (fractured cheekbone) and midfielder Matt Rosa (knee) to be available for selection against the Pies in the first qualifying final.
The coach said Saturday night's one-sided win was not necessarily bad preparation for a final against the 2010 premiers after a season that has seen West Coast equal the 17-5 record it notched in its 2006 premiership year.
"What we have control over is our preparation for next week and we've already spoken about that," Worsfold said on Saturday night. "We're looking forward to the challenge that will be thrown at us.
"We've got a good squad available and fit and ready to go and our attitude is, regardless of where and when the game is and who we're playing, we'll go out there and perform at our best.
"We've got a very, very healthy squad and a lot of them are in very good form. It's the exact position we'd want to be in."
Kerr said at quarter time of Saturday night's match that he was a 50-50 chance to face the Pies, but Worsfold was hopeful post-match that the 28-year-old would complete enough training work this week to be declared fit.
"He's had this type of injury before and played within a week, but this time the stiffness hasn't gone out," the coach said. "He's working pretty hard on that obviously.
"Daniel overcomes a lot, he pushes up and plays with a lot of issues and soreness - he has throughout his whole career - so I've got no doubt if he thinks he's right to play he'll play, even if it means his back is still a bit sore.
"Obviously the medical staff are the key ones that have got to declare him fit to play and not put him at risk.
"He has to think he can play and then the match committee has to decide whether to pick him or not."
Worsfold said he was pleased with the return of Butler, who had 18 possessions and was polished across half-back, and first-year forward Jack Darling.
A hamstring complaint for young defender Ash Smith, who has played 18 consecutive games, was the only injury concern to come out of the match and he will require scans.
A battle for midfield spots is looming ahead of the Collingwood clash, with Chris Masten, who had 27 disposals, seven clearances and two goals, building form.
Worsfold used Brad Ebert and Adam Selwood in the centre for longer periods on Saturday night, and he said the decision to name Andrew Gaff, who has been in excellent form for eight weeks, as substitute for the match was made to lighten the first-year midfielder's workload.
Asked for his thoughts on Collingwood's 96-point loss to Geelong on Friday night, Worsfold said he had seen similar late-season results in his time in the game.
"You're judged on what you know the norm is and last night wasn't the norm," he said. "We wont be putting too much emphasis on that at all.
"We're looking forward to the challenge of playing the best team in the competition next week."
Nathan Schmook covers West Coast news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_NSchmook
