Adam Simpson has endured a few sleepless nights this week, but the rookie West Coast coach is willing to give his AFL players one more chance to atone before venting his anger at the selection table.
Simpson has been hitting his players with a few home truths this week following their shambolic display against North Melbourne on Sunday.
The 11th-placed Eagles have won just four of their opening 10 games, and will start as rank underdogs against defending premiers Hawthorn in Saturday's clash in Tasmania.
West Coast will be without forward Josh Kennedy (cheekbone) and Brad Sheppard (corked buttock) against the Hawks, but Josh Hill was the only unforced casualty after tallying just one possession as the substitute last week.
Midfielder Luke Shuey is among a group of underperforming players who have avoided the selection axe - for now - but Simpson will get more ruthless in the future if his squad keeps misfiring.
"I didn't sleep too well the last few days," Simpson said on Thursday.
"(The Kangaroos game) was the first week where we didn't turn up with our intent and hunt, and I have given a couple of guys another opportunity to get that right.
"We'll find out a lot about our players and our coaches this week.
"I think self pride is what we're looking for - the pride in your performance with effort.
"I think you've got to speak the truth and tell them how it is.
"Sometimes, you don't need to raise your voice to do that. You can be just as disappointed and be measured. But the voice was raised a little bit."
The Hawks have been bolstered by the return of Cyril Rioli and Jordan Lewis from injury, but David Hale was ruled out with a corked quad.
West Coast welcome back skipper Darren Glass (hip).
The injury-hit Hawks only just scraped over the line against GWS last week.
But Simpson doesn't think the absence of coach Alastair Clarkson was the reason behind Hawthorn's sluggish display.
"I don't think they will lose anything with Brendon (Bolton) sitting in the chair," said Simpson, who was an assistant coach at Hawthorn for four years before landing the top job at West Coast.
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