Skipper Shannon Hurn says West Coast has discovered resilience crucial for finals success
How Houdini acts against Adelaide and Port Adelaide have built West Coast’s finals confidence.
HAVING seen a season and football mortality flash before its eyes in successive weeks, West Coast is plotting a Giant downfall in Saturday’s semi-final at Spotless Stadium, says skipper Shannon Hurn.
Luke Shuey’s after-the-siren, extra-time goal kept the Eagles flying in a night of elimination final drama against Port Adelaide on Saturday night. The Eagles’ round 23 home upset of Adelaide secured a finals spot.
Retiring trio Matt Priddis (17 contested possessions), Sam Mitchell and Drew Petrie (two goals) all struck blows against Port to extend their careers after a season that looked shot with a 21-point away loss to Greater Western Sydney in round 22.
“Those blokes almost have a sense of freedom, want to play well because they are mates. You want to send them out as well you can,” Barossa boy Hurn said.
The Giants are rocked by a qualifying final meltdown against Adelaide, coupled with injury concerns to spearhead Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) and Shane Mumford (ankle).
Hurn warned the Eagles will take on GWS buoyed by proven mental resilience and belief over the past month.
“It is about attitude and effort - recover well, train and go over with a positive mindset to take games on,” Hurn said. “In footy and life, when things are on the line you have to raise your game. We have played team footy and held on. We have to back up next week.”
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