Eagles adamant they've got flag hunger

West Coast's form has been topsy-turvy so far this season, but defender Brad Sheppard isn't worrying just yet.

AFL

West Coast's Brad Sheppard insists there's no premiership hangover at the Eagles. (AAP)

West Coast defender Brad Sheppard is adamant the hunger of the group remains high despite their lacklustre start to the AFL season.

The Eagles are 4-3 after seven rounds, with some experts questioning whether players are suffering from a premiership hangover.

Sheppard doesn't think that's the case, but admits the team still hasn't found its best form and needs to regain some of its lost mojo.

West Coast's intent was put under the spotlight in their heavy losses to Port Adelaide and Geelong.

Eagles players displayed far more willingness to go in harder against Gold Coast last Saturday, but a poor second half took some gloss off the 23-point win.

Sheppard missed West Coast's premiership triumph last year because of a hamstring injury.

But he's adamant his premiership-winning teammates are still as hungry as he is for the ultimate success.

"The way the group as a collective came back was very impressive," Sheppard said.

"Everyone was getting personal bests in all the time trials, and the hunger and the competitive instincts that everyone brought to each training session throughout the pre-season was at a high level.

"I think the boys are still really hungry to achieve success. A few of us missed out. There's 25 boys who haven't experienced it. The hunger is still there for the players.

"This is the time of the year where you really do have to bank the wins and find our mojo."

Some experts have questioned whether West Coast's game plan holds up in wet and slippery conditions.

There are also doubts about whether Eagles defenders are as effective when the ball coming into defence is "dirty", instead of high balls they can easily intercept.

Sheppard doesn't think those things are issues.

"We try to back in our system," Sheppard said.

"In the wet you probably have to be a bit more predictable with the footy and also the way you go about your business in terms of the mark v spoil.

"But it comes down to the mindset in the end. The weather shouldn't come into contention between win and loss.

"In the past we've probably had some poor performances in the wet, but we are pretty clear if it does rain again what we've got to do."

Ruckman Tom Hickey (hamstring) is a chance to return for Saturday night's clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.


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Source: AAP


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