Clarity key for Darling AFL GF redemption

West Coast forward Jack Darling produced a quiet 2015 grand final display but he has the chance to make amends in Saturday's decider against Collingwood.

Jack Darling

Jack Darling is West Coast's leading goal kicker in 2018. (AAP)

West Coast forward Jack Darling has achieved football clarity and he hopes it will help him earn redemption for his 2015 grand final flop.

Darling looms as a key figure in Saturday's grand final against Collingwood at the MCG.

The 26-year-old has been in the form of his life this season, booting a career-high 47 goals.

Darling kicked 3.3 and snared seven marks in Saturday's 66-point preliminary final trouncing of Melbourne, while fellow spearhead Josh Kennedy kicked four first-half goals..

West Coast are a perfect 12-0 when Kennedy and Darling have played together this season.

The pair now have the chance to erase the memories of their poor displays in West Coast's 46-point loss to Hawthorn in the 2015 decider.

Kennedy went goalless from nine disposals that day while Darling managed just 1.1 from 10 touches - with his nightmare dropped mark in the third quarter etched in the memory of fans.

"I'm a much different player now," Darling told AAP.

"I'm really clear in my role and what I have to do.

"I might not kick four or five goals but if it's two versus one, I just make a contest.

"I don't want to get beaten in the air. I want to win it, or bring it to ground for the smalls."

Twelve Eagles players from the 2015 decider will front up on Saturday against the Magpies.

Darling said having experienced what a grand final is like will hold the player group in good stead.

"We've been there before so we'll know what to expect," he said.

"It's not going to be such a whirlwind, so hopefully we'll be more settled.

"We're really mature and we're reading the game, and what the game needs at certain times."

West Coast coach Adam Simpson is confident Jeremy McGovern and Luke Shuey will be fit for the grand final.

McGovern copped a knee to his hip early in the game against Melbourne, while Shuey injured his left ankle.

Scans have cleared Collingwood defender Jeremy Howe of any serious damage to his left ankle, freeing him to play in the grand final.

Defender Darcy Moore will be aiming to push his selection case after recovering from his latest hamstring setback but his history of breaking down during games will count against him.

West Coast, who were widely tipped to miss the finals at the start of the season, have bucked the odds just to reach the final game in September.

Their preliminary final demolition of Melbourne was irresistible.

But Darling said it was merely a stepping stone to what they truly want to achieve.

"It's good to get into the grand final but we're not satisfied," he said.

"We really haven't done anything yet.

"In 10 years' time you will only remember the premiers."


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Source: AAP


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