West Coast know all too well that if you let North Melbourne off the leash, they’ll put you to the sword.

The Kangaroos did as much for almost a half back in round 15, when their free-wheeling game saw them open up a 35-point lead midway through the second quarter.

Only the brilliance of Eagles ruckman Dean Cox, who booted three crucial goals, dragged West Coast over the line by two points.

But ahead of Sunday’s elimination final between the two sides at Patersons Stadium, Eagles defender Beau Waters said West Coast players had resolved to be at their contested best in order to stymie North Melbourne’s run-and-stun game.

“I know North Melbourne play a running game and they’ve been very good with their skills over the journey, so it will be interesting to see how they play against our contested style of play,” Waters said.

“They’re a great running side. Very skillful. They use the ball well.

“But if it’s contested, then we’re playing our best football; our intensity’s up and we’re winning the inside ball.

“We’ve got some great midfielders that spread really hard from stoppages that can then use the ball by foot as well.

“I believe if we win the contested ball, then we also have the skill level to beat them on the outside.”

The Eagles remain particularly wary of the evergreen Brent Harvey, who despite being 34 years of age shows no signs of slowing down.

Harvey booted three goals back in that round 15 clash, but Eagles coach John Worsfold backed Adam Selwood to curb the wily 345-game veteran.

“They’ve had great rivalries, not just as a backman on a forward, but as two midfielders on each other as well in the past,” Worsfold said.

“Adam’s had a lot of match-ups on Harvey and we’d be comfortable to see that match-up if that’s the way we elected to go.

“Harvey is still an influential player.

“He doesn’t go through the midfield as much but he does wander around up there a fair bit.

“He contributes so much to the way North Melbourne goes about their footy.”

The Kangaroos are set to welcome back Daniel Wells and Nathan Grima from injury, while West Coast defender Eric Mackenzie is set to return from a hamstring complaint.