West Coast vice-captain Beau Waters isn’t panicking about the club’s recent AFL form slump, claiming the Eagles will rediscover their mojo as soon as they lift their intensity back to the required levels.
Just over a fortnight ago, West Coast were in hot form and vying for top spot on the table.
But big losses to Sydney (52 points) and Adelaide (49) have sent West Coast tumbling down to fifth, with the nature of the defeats raising questions about their premiership credentials.
The Eagles face a far-easier assignment this Sunday against Brisbane at Patersons Stadium, and will be further bolstered by the return of star midfielder Luke Shuey from suspension.
Waters, who made a surprise return from minor knee surgery in last week’s loss to the Crows, said West Coast’s lack of intensity in recent weeks had brought about their downfall.
“We’re definitely not satisfied,” Waters said.
“The two games have been pretty large losses and we don’t think the intensity was there.
“There are ebbs and flows through a season and even premiers of the past few years have experienced those ebbs and flows.
“Unfortunately for us at the moment, it’s just come against two good sides and they’ve really exposed us.
“Internally, we’re talking through different things that we believe can re-energise the intensity.
“If we can turn it around over the next month or the next six weeks, there’s no reason why we can’t be a big contributor in the finals.”
Waters was cleared of any wrongdoing for his accidental head clash with Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett, who has been concussed three times over the past five weeks.
“I’ve got a shady recollection of exactly what happened,” Waters said of the incident.
“I hope Kurt’s OK.
“You don’t wish injuries – especially head injuries – upon any of your competitors.”
Brisbane upset West Coast by two points at the Gabba in round 10, but Waters said the prospect of gaining revenge wouldn’t be used as a motivating factor.
The Eagles will wear a one-off jumper on Sunday as part of the club’s eighth annual Dig Deep fundraising match, which raises money for the Cancer Council of Western Australia.
