Forget about the gruelling running sessions, West Coast players will start heading to the all-you-can-eat buffets as coach Adam Simpson attempts to transform his side into a premiership contender.
The Eagles finished ninth in Simpson's first year in charge, with Richmond's upset win over Sydney on Saturday robbing West Coast of a dream finals berth.
Simpson said his team deserved to fall short of finals football given they failed to beat a single top-eight side all year.
The former North Melbourne star believes a bigger midfield outfit will help transform West Coast's fortunes in 2015.
On-baller Scott Selwood put on around four kilograms during his 12-week stint on the sidelines this season, and his teammates are set to follow suit over the coming months.
"I've said to the players that it's not like getting a tattoo - it's not permanent," Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.
"If we put on a bit of weight and size and it doesn't work, we can always strip it back.
"You've got to have a certain amount of size to play finals football.
"There's been stages this year where we've lacked the presence with our ability to stay in the contest.
"When I say I wouldn't mind a bit of size on our players, it's just the ability to stay over the ball and get the job done, particularly when it's scratchy conditions.
"When it's been wet, we've been found wanting."
West Coast started the year with three straight wins, but just one victory from their next eight games meant it was always going to be an uphill battle to make the finals.
The Eagles finished off the year with four wins from their last five games, and Simpson said he can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
With ruckman Dean Cox and defender Darren Glass announcing their retirement during the year, Simpson forecast making up to seven changes to his list during the off-season.
Ash Smith, Jacob Brennan, Adam Carter and Blayne Wilson all face a nervous wait to see if they survive the chop, while Jamie Cripps, Sam Butler and Josh Hill are expected to be re-signed.
Share
