New West Coast coach Adam Simpson admits his first game as a head coach could get a tad messy, and says up to eight spots will be up for grabs during the AFL pre-season.
Simpson will get his first real taste of life as a senior coach during Tuesday's pre-season clash with Fremantle at Arena Joondalup.
Both sides have selected strong squads for the match, with only Nic Naitanui (groin), Beau Waters (shoulder) and Andrew Gaff (tooth) missing from West Coast's best outfit.
Simpson, who took over as Eagles coach from John Worsfold at the end of last year, said the club's three pre-season games would be vital in helping the squad get used to a new style of play.
"I'd like 10 games before round one to be honest. It could get messy on the weekend," Simpson said on Monday.
"Our coaching group haven't coached a game together. We've got a new style of play.
"There is so much change and the biggest message for our players at the moment is just embrace the change.
"No doubt they'll revert to habits that somewhat don't suit what we're doing now.
"But we've made the instructions pretty simple.
"Hopefully we've got them to a level where they're pretty clear in what they need to do."
Simpson, who was an assistant coach at Hawthorn during last year's premiership, said he was feeling a bit anxious heading into his first game as a senior coach.
The former Kangaroo, who played 306 games during a decorated AFL career, said the pre-season games would shape as a crucial selection battle for a host of players.
"In my mind there's a good seven or eight positions available, and there's probably 10 or 12 players putting their hands up for them," Simpson said.
"They're playing for spots. So that's what we'll find out in the next few weeks.
"I've been through the experience of having a new coach and you feel like you have to prove yourself again.
"So I've got no doubt all the players are going through that phase."
Fremantle will unleash new recruits Scott Gumbleton and Colin Sylvia, while West Coast's side will feature former Hawk Xavier Ellis, ex-Brisbane defender Elliot Yeo and prized draft pick Dom Sheed.
Dockers Ryan Crowley, Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Nick Suban and Cam Sutcliffe are still working their way back to full fitness following pre-season hiccups.
Fremantle made a late change to their squad on Monday, replacing midfielder Clancee Pearce with new recruit Brady Grey, who was taken with pick No.58 in last year's national draft.
