Eade not daunted by trip west
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says his side does not fear West Coast, adding that his team is eagerly awaiting its semi-final challenge against the Eagles
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says his side does not fear West Coast, adding that his team is eagerly awaiting its semi-final challenge against the Eagles at Subiaco Oval next Saturday.But Eade, speaking after the Bulldogs' outstanding 41-point elimination final victory over Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday, was adamant that taking on West Coast on its home soil would still be a massive task."We certainly don't fear them and they're a very good side - they finished on top of the ladder and technically they've been the best team in the competition - and playing at their home ground, it's a big task, it's a huge task," Eade said."But by the same token, I think we can play without any expectation and play without any fear and we'll just see what happens."Asked if the Bulldogs' experience gained against Collingwood would hold them in good stead against the Eagles - a team they defeated at Subiaco Oval in round 13 this year - Eade said it was too hard to judge."You'd like to say yes, but by the same token, we're coming across some fairly good opposition, so I don't think it's going to be the occasion - more nerves or expectation that's going to hurt us next week and just whether the opposition is too good for us," Eade said.Next week Bulldogs' icons Scott West and Rohan Smith (he is also retiring at the end of the season) will both play their 300th AFL match, yet Eade said the milestones would not necessarily be used as motivation for victory."I'm not really big on using that - I wouldn't say false motivation because that's not the phrase - but the motivation that's bigger is the result and I know the guys involved and certainly the rest of the group would rather win next week for the right reason," Eade said."Obviously we'll do something during the week for them and make a bit of a song and dance about it, but really at the end of day both 'Smithy' and 'Westy' - and 'Smithy' has proved the team-man he is this week anyway - and Scott's the same and Chris Grant's the same and 'Johnno' (Brad Johnson) is the same - they're going to want to do it for the right reason."On the stunning win over Collingwood, Eade said was delighted for all concerned with the red, white and blue."I've been involved in better finals wins, but it was terrific. I think for where the club is at and where it's come from and the players - so many haven't experienced finals and to be able to experience that and play so well - tough, hard and aggressive footy (was great)," Eade said."People were questioning whether our style would stand up in finals and whether our small defence would stand up finals and whether we'd kick enough goals if 'Johnno' kicks one and 'Granty' doesn't play down there - all those questions were answered."I'm certainly just pleased for the playing group, the club and certainly the supporters that we showed them that we're obviously continuing with the up curve."Eade said he could see the Dogs breaking the game open in the second half."I thought if we could maintain that workrate, I thought we could bust the game open - I really did - and they got a few goals in the first quarter from our silly mistakes at times, but that's going to happen," Eade said."But I thought if we could control that work-rate, I thought we could split it open."And as for Collingwood's late change in personnel - veteran defender Shane Wakelin was replaced by athletic forward Sean Rusling - Eade said that late switch was no surprise."I think Ray Charles would've seen that one coming," Eade said.