West Coast coach Adam Simpson says it's disrespectful to suggest Collingwood and Richmond are performing well simply because their home ground is the MCG.
Richmond (12-3) and Collingwood (11-4) occupy the top two spots on the AFL ladder and are both well placed to mount a premiership charge.
The Tigers have won their past 17 games at the MCG, while the Magpies have tasted success in six of their past eight at the 'home of footy', including four in a row.
Richmond, who have lost three of their five games away from the MCG this year, have copped some criticism for not being able to maintain their lofty standards away from home.
Collingwood have won all five of their games away from the MCG this year.
Simpson said it was unfair for people to suggest that Richmond and Collingwood are only good because they get to play so many games at the MCG.
"Those guys have had the MCG as their home ground for a fair while. So the fact they're in good form, I think it's a bit disrespectful to say it's just because of the MCG," Simpson said.
"They're both good sides, and they're in good form wherever they play.
"It doesn't matter where you play Collingwood or Richmond, they're going to be tough to beat."
West Coast (11-4) will get a rare game on the MCG on Sunday when they take on Collingwood in a blockbuster clash.
The Eagles haven't beaten the Magpies at the venue since 1995 but Simpson says that record is insignificant.
He said returning trio Josh Kennedy (leg), Jack Darling (ankle), and Mark LeCras (wrist) were all guarantees to play against the Magpies.
Darling was in the form of his life before injuring his ankle in round 11 and Simpson says the 26-year-old might need time to rediscover his form.
"If he can just compete and play his role, we'll take that," Simpson said.
"It's good to have him back. The form he was in was pretty special."
The return of Kennedy and Darling means All-Australian Jeremy McGovern can return to defence and Elliot Yeo can play fulltime in the midfield.
Young forward Jake Waterman also returns to the side.
Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Vardy, Brayden Ainsworth, and last week's debutant Oscar Allen were all dropped.
Collingwood have been boosted by the return of Travis Varcoe and Darcy Moore.
Ben Crocker was dropped, while Flynn Appleby was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
