Forget about a walk in the park, West Coast are preparing for an almighty ambush when they take on struggling Melbourne in Saturday night's AFL clash at Patersons Stadium.
The Demons face a fight to avoid the wooden spoon following a demoralising eight-game losing streak that hit new depths in last week's 64-point defeat to GWS.
Such is their dire state, Melbourne have formally asked the AFL for a priority draft pick in order to give their lengthy rebuild a jump start.
That won't come quick enough to save them this week as they attempt to overcome a venue that has been a graveyard for them over the past decade.
The Demons have lost their past 14 matches at Patersons Stadium by an average of 47 points, with their last success in Perth coming back in 2004.
Despite all the signs pointing to a big West Coast win on Saturday night, Eagles coach Adam Simpson has warned his players to be on guard against a Melbourne outfit that will be fighting for pride.
"It's something I'm really wary of with our group," Simpson said on Friday.
"We've all been at clubs in situations where your back is against the wall.
"Melbourne have challenged some sides and beaten some really good sides away.
"They came over (to Perth) on Wednesday, so I get the sense there's a bit of a line in the sand type of feel about it.
"We're really preparing for a tough battle. It's not going to be a walk in the park. I think they're going to come out firing."
The Eagles welcome back star forward Mark LeCras from a calf injury, while defender Sam Butler is expected to play despite undergoing minor surgery on his eye earlier in the week.
Last week's heartbreaking three-point loss to Essendon put a major dent in West Coast's finals hopes, but Simpson said the club had remained optimistic this week.
West Coast need to win their final two games and rely on other results to fall their way in order to sneak into the top eight.
"It can be a real grind this part of the year with training and the long season, but there is a sense of enthusiasm among the group," Simpson said.
"Some of the players are saying they wish we could go on for another four or five weeks, and I hope we do extend our season.
"There is a good vibe around the club."
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