WEST Coast bull Elliot Yeo would thrive on the challenge of taking on red-hot Carlton superstar Patrick Cripps in a mouthwatering subplot to a massive danger game for the Eagles, midfielder Jack Redden says.
Cripps looms large as the stumbling block for West Coast at Marvel Stadium, with the reigning premiers needing to find an answer to his stoppage dominance.
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The Brownlow Medal fancy racked up 19 clearances – the second-most recorded in a game – won 39 touches, 24 contested possessions and kicked a goal to stamp his authority as the AFL's best player in another win under caretaker coach David Teague against Adelaide.
Yeo, on track for a third-straight club champion award, has taken on and beaten Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe in recent Western Derbies and appears likely to get first crack at Cripps this Sunday.
Elliot Yeo was in good touch last week against the Roos. Picture: AFL Photos
"Yeoy's had massive roles this year. His pressure and tackling, he bodies up really well against those bigger mids, and I think he loves the challenge as well, so it will be exciting if that does happen," Redden said.
"He loves the challenge of playing against the best and he is one of the best as well.
"I think he thrives on that competitive side of it and loves a match-up."
With tagger Mark Hutchings facing an uphill battle to return straight to the seniors after a hamstring, Redden could be the back-up option.
Jack Redden could also get a crack at Patrick Cripps. Picture: AFL Photos
"I think I had him last time and he had 34 (disposals in round five last year), so I might need to improve from last time," Redden said.
"He's a gun player, gun of the competition.
"He had a stupid number of clearances on the weekend and it's serious damage on the end of that.
"Whether we go the full-blown tag, not sure yet, but everyone's going to have put their input into him."
Goal number 600 was so good!
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The Eagles notched their 10th win from 12 starts with a comprehensive 49-point triumph over North Melbourne and moved into second spot, narrowly ahead of Brisbane on percentage.
The top-four race is heating up with a month to play and, while Richmond has taken the 'premiership favourites' tag, Redden warned West Coast has room for improvement.
"We're playing some good footy now. I don't think we've quite hit our straps just yet – we had a patch on the weekend where we probably weren't playing good footy but we're getting close to four quarters," he said.
"That's exciting for the group and it's good for the club.
"I think the group has got a lot of confidence. We've been there before, so it does give you confidence that you have been there.
"It just comes down to standing up in the right moments and getting yourself there first."
Redden expects skipper Shannon Hurn (calf) to face Carlton, while Liam Duggan (ankle) and Jamie Cripps (adductor) could return against the Crows in round 21.