WEST Coast midfielder Sharrod Wellingham insists it's too early to think about the club's flag chances, saying the Eagles won't know how much they've improved until they encounter some of the competition's heavyweights.
West Coast finished 13th last year in a season cruelled by injuries, and was expected to take some time to get going in 2014 under new coach Adam Simpson.
But big wins over the Western Bulldogs (65 points) and Melbourne (93 points) in the opening two rounds have thrust the Eagles into top spot, fuelling talk they could be a surprise flag contender this year.
West Coast is hot favourite to post another thumping victory when they host St Kilda on Saturday night.
But the Eagles will get a clearer picture of where they stand over the next month when they take on Geelong (away), Port Adelaide (home), Carlton (away) and Fremantle.
"Outside the club, everyone's loving us walloping teams by huge margins," Wellingham said.
"But the hype's not that big inside the walls of the club.
"We haven't had a massive test yet.
"We've played really well, but there hasn't been any close games. That's when we'll really see how we've developed.
"If we could finish top four, it would be amazing. If we could finish top eight, it would be awesome as well.
"To play some finals footy would be a step forward, and that's all we're looking to do."
Wellingham was restricted to just 10 games last year due to two serious ankle injuries, but the former Magpie is on track for a big year after completing a solid pre-season campaign.
