West Coast may be under-rated and unloved over east, but they were treated like rock stars at home on Monday when more than 12,000 Eagles fans turned up to the club's open training session at Subiaco Oval.
Fans cheered on their heroes during the light training drills, with the only 'boo' coming after it was announced that a Collingwood supporter had infiltrated the ranks.
Eagles players hi-fived fans as they ran laps around the oval, with the light-hearted training session finishing with a chant of "MCG, MCG".
Star defender Jeremy McGovern (hip) failed to make it out onto the park, but coach Adam Simpson is confident the three-time All-Australian will be fit for the grand final.
Gun midfielder Andrew Gaff, who is still serving his eight-match suspension, received a loud cheer when he entered the training arena.
And injured ruckman Nic Naitanui also received a big cheer when he made it out before the rest of his teammates.
Eagles players lapped up the attention at training, and Simpson said they were better placed to handle the grand final hype after playing off in the 2015 premiership decider.
"It wasn't a normal Monday," Simpson said with a smile about the fanfare.
"It did remind me a little bit of 2015. It was a good crowd, it would have been over 10,000."
Despite finishing second on the ladder and beating Collingwood twice already this season, West Coast will start as underdogs in the grand final.
A top of just 13 degrees and light rain is forecast for Melbourne on Saturday.
It's in stark contrast to the sunny 21-degree conditions Perth enjoyed on Monday.
Monday's training session could also mark the final time West Coast supporters get to step foot inside Subiaco Oval.
The former home of WA football will be demolished at a date to be determined to make way for a new high school, a public open space and houses.
West Coast have been using the ground for training purposes this year.
But they will move to their new headquarters in Lathlain later this year in time for pre-season training.
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