Brisbane Lions Senior Coach Michael Voss isn’t being fooled by West Coast’s relatively modest start to the season, which has seen last year’s Semi Finalists secure just two wins from their first six matches.
The Eagles were considered one of the premiership favourites heading into 2013, but have been hampered by injuries to key personnel.
Nic Naitanui, Daniel Kerr, Mark LeCras and Sharrod Wellingham have all spent time on the sidelines over the past six weeks, but were back on deck during the side’s 70-point rout of the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco last Sunday.
Andrew Embley, Matt Rosa and Beau Waters are also chances of returning for this Saturday’s match at the Gabba.
Voss says West Coast’s season is beginning to gain momentum, which makes them a formidable outfit.
“They look like they’re starting to get their stuff together now. They’ve certainly been a lot better in the last couple of weeks,” Voss said.
“They’re getting key players that are returning. Naitanui played last week, so he’s obviously got himself up and going again.”
“They’re a good footy team. We had a good result here (at the Gabba) against them last year, but then they gave us a bit of a spanking (later in the year at Subiaco). So we know what they’re capable of.”
With West Coast boasting one of the competition’s most potent forward lines (which includes the likes of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras, Nic Naitanui, Dean Cox and Josh Hill), Voss said it’s critical for the Lions to limit their supply from the midfield.
“We have to make sure we create some pressure on the opposition,” Voss said.
“If the ball’s getting down there too easily, then it’s going to be a hard day for us. We just have to make sure we keep pressuring that supply.”
Eagles on the mend
Michael Voss is wary of a West Coast outfit that's nearing full-strength