WEST Coast will find out a lot about itself over the next two weeks starting with a heavyweight bout with Hawthorn on Saturday night, according to Eagles coach Adam Simpson.
The Eagles face Hawthorn and Fremantle in consecutive weeks in matches that will shape the final top four.
The Eagles have lost just once in their past 14 matches to sit six points clear of Hawthorn in second spot on the AFL ladder.
But Simpson said this week is the Eagles' biggest test.
Winged Eagle McGovern set to face Hawks
"We'll find out a bit about ourselves in the next two weeks," Simpson said.
"I'm hoping they handle it really well. We're well prepared.
"We're pretty consistent with our approach. We haven't approached it any differently to any other week. But the boys are excited. So we'll find out tomorrow night."
The Hawks travel to Perth coming off a loss to Richmond last week, not having lost consecutive games since rounds four and five, 2012.
That was also the last time West Coast beat Hawthorn - round four 2012.
Last week’s 53-point total was also the Hawks’ lowest score since that loss to the Eagles three years ago, when they managed just 46 points.
The weather could be a factor for the match, with showers forecast for Saturday morning in Perth and then a possible thunder and hail storm predicted for Saturday night.
But Simpson did not think the weather would help nullify Hawthorn's elite kicking game.
"I think the Hawks have been the best in the comp for a long time," Simpson said.
"I think you would be foolish to think they are a good kicking side and that's all you need to stop.
"They are well balanced in a lot of areas. You can't get caught up too much in that. We'll play our way and see how we go."
Richmond provided a blueprint in how to beat Hawthorn last week. They pressured the Hawks better than any team so far this season and denied the reigning premiers the ball by controlling the tempo of the game. In three of the Hawks' five losses this season they have conceded 100 marks or more.
But Simpson said the Eagles would not be copying the Tigers' gameplan.
"Denying them possession and putting pressure on the possession, every club and every team would go in with that strategy," Simpson said.
"It's good to scout those games, but we won't be trying to implement everything that Richmond did."
The Eagles have made three changes. Jeremy McGovern returns after missing two weeks with a minor hamstring strain in place of youngster Tom Barrass. Simpson said McGovern was an important inclusion.
Josh Hill and Mark Hutchings have been dropped. Simpson said Hill simply wasn't playing well enough and he knew what he needed to do to get back.
Experienced duo Patrick McGinnity and Sam Butler have been included. The Hawks have made one change. David Hale has missed through general soreness and ruckman Jonathon Cegler has replaced him.
