Eagles to downsize after rusty AFL run

West Coast coach Adam Simpson admits his tactic of playing three ruckmen didn't work in last week's western derby loss to Fremantle.

West Coast AFL coach Adam Simpson

West Coast AFL coach Adam Simpson (pic) says Garry Lyon's criticism of the Eagles doesn't faze him. (AAP)

After watching his team's biggest strength become their ultimate weakness, West Coast coach Adam Simpson is set to cut down some height in his forward line.

The Eagles' scoring potency has dropped dramatically during their four-game AFL losing streak, with the club averaging just 7.5 goals per game during that period.

Simpson has employed a three-man ruck battery for much of this season, meaning power forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling have been joined in attack by either one or two resting ruckmen.

The Land of the Giants was meant to stretch opposition defences for height, giving West Coast a crucial marking edge.

Instead, it's left the Eagles vulnerable at ground level, with West Coast lacking the fleet-footed players to kick opportunistic goals and create enough frenzied pressure.

In Sunday's 19-point loss to the Dockers, third ruck option Scott Lycett tallied just five possessions, one hit-out and no goals playing predominantly up forward.

A week earlier, Lycett finished with just one goal from eight possessions in the loss to Carlton.

Simpson appears set to re-think his policy on playing three ruckmen in order to give his forward line a better balance.

"Sometimes things you perceive as a strength can also be your biggest weakness," Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.

"We'll look at that at match committee and we'll make some clear decisions going forward."

Simpson hinted he may make more tough statements at the selection table this week after dropping high-profile recruit Sharrod Wellingham for the derby.

"We're not getting a full 22 players contributing at the moment, so we've got to assess that from an individual point of view," he said.

"There's things we're not doing as a team that we're not pleased about at the moment too."

Sharpshooter Mark LeCras is a chance to return from a broken arm for Sunday's clash with GWS at Patersons Stadium, while rebounding defender Xavier Ellis (calf) will also attempt to prove his fitness.

Wellingham put his hand up for a recall after tallying 25 possessions and seven inside 50s for East Perth in the WAFL, while Luke Shuey (foot) is expected to be fit to play.

The Giants will be without star forward Jeremy Cameron, who is unable to fly after undergoing surgery on his ear.

The Eagles have kicked a combined 30.51 over their past four games, and Simpson urged his players to practise more goalkicking under pressure situations during training.


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Source: AAP


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