The Eagles are struggling in 11th spot after winning just four of their opening 10 games.

West Coast are yet to beat an opponent currently sitting higher than 14th on the table, with Simpson rating last Sunday's 38-point loss to North Melbourne as one of his team's worst performances of the year.

It doesn't get any easier for the Eagles, who face defending premiers Hawthorn in Tasmania on Saturday before taking on Gold Coast, St Kilda, Fremantle and the Sydney Swans in a stretch of games that is likely to decide their finals fate.

Josh Kennedy will miss the Hawthorn clash after fracturing his cheekbone against the Kangaroos, while Xavier Ellis (corked hamstring) and Brad Sheppard (corked buttock) are also in doubt.

Although West Coast's skills were shoddy against the Kangaroos, Simpson was more disappointed with the lack of fight on display.

"We rely on intent. That's the basis of our game," Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.

"Yes, we've been working on our skill level, and that's going to continue. But you need to turn up. The players understand that.

"The one stat you can look at is hard ball gets. It was 65 to 35 (against West Coast on Sunday).

"Having said that, we did win the inside-50 battle. So supply was there, but it was dirty and unfortunately we didn't stand up when it counted."

A host of players could feel the heat at the selection table this week.

Midfielders Sharrod Wellingham and Luke Shuey have been inconsistent this season, while forward Josh Hill failed to have an impact as the sub last week.

Mark Hutchings, Sam Butler and Pat McGinnity are pushing for selection following strong WAFL displays, while ruckman Scott Lycett could replace Kennedy after tallying 22 possessions, 25 hit-outs and three goals for East Perth.

Eagles skipper Darren Glass, who is nursing a sore hip, is set to return.

Simpson wants his team to be remembered as a powerful unit rather than a club boasting individual stars.

"We're not about A-graders or B-graders, we're about the collective mission. And at the moment, we've got a couple of passengers," Simpson said.

"At the end of the day, if you don't deserve to play, you won't."

Hawthorn, already missing star players Brian Lake, Sam Mitchell and Josh Gibson, could also be without ruckman David Hale (corked quad), but livewire Cyril Rioli (hamstring) and vice-captain Jordan Lewis (adductor) could return.