They were able to cop the criticism on their chin but can West Coast handle the love?
That’s the unique challenge that confronts the Eagles this week as they prepare for Saturday night’s semi-final against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.
The Eagles bore the brunt of wide-spread criticism earlier this season for their inconsistent form.
But they have received nothing but praise over the past fortnight after two breathtaking wins.
West Coast’s 29-point win over Adelaide in the final round was just enough to catapult the Eagles into eighth spot on percentage.
And their extra-time triumph over Port Adelaide in last week’s elimination final will go down as one of the most exciting finishes in AFL history, with Luke Shuey kicking the winning goal after the final siren in extra-time.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson praised his team’s leaders for standing tall in recent weeks, saying the resilience shown by the group is something that will carry forward into next season.
But he said dealing with the recent praise could provide a unique challenge for the squad this week.
“We probably had four or five weeks of heavy criticism, and now we’ve had a couple of weeks the other way,” Simpson said.
“So trying to get the inner sanctum of the club in the right space where we’re predictable with our processes — the boring the stuff — that’s been our challenge.
“It’s not a bad thing that we’re getting on a plane today.
“It was a big game last week. It was an emotional game. It might be one of the greatest games I’ve been involved in.
“But we’ve still got a job to do.”
Simpson kept his cards close to his chest on Thursday when asked whether ruckman Nic Naitanui would be part of the travelling party to Sydney.
Naitanui hasn’t played since undergoing a knee reconstruction a year ago, but the Eagles have kept the door slightly ajar for the 2012 All-Australian to return during the finals.
West Coast took a 26-man squad to Sydney but Naitanui wasn’t seen on the flight.
Instead, it will be Will Schofield, Chris Masten, Sharrod Wellingham and Malcolm Karpany who have a chance to push their way into the 22.
“He’ll fly at some stage,” Simpson said of Naitanui.
“He’s training really well. While we keep advancing, he’s getting closer and closer.”
West Coast’s makeshift ruck duo of Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie excelled in last week’s win overthe Power, with the pair nullifying the influence of All-Australian Paddy Ryder.
Their task this week was made easier when GWS ruckman Shane Mumford was ruled out for the rest of the year with a foot injury.
The Giants will also be without star forward Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) for the rest of their finals campaign.
