The West Coast Eagles got ‘beaten up’ the last time they played the Western Bulldogs according to Eagles coach Adam Simpson.

"The contested ball differential was (+39), possessions (differential) was over 120, but I think we lost by eight points, Simpson told media on Monday.

That was in round 11, and the Dogs were riding high at 11-3 on the back of a game built on grunt. 

The Bulldogs’ contested possession differential of +26.6 points per game was the highest figure ever recorded by Champion Data after 11 rounds.

Since then that differential has fallen to +2 as injuries began to take their toll while Simpson’s Eagles found a new gear, outduelling the Crows in round 23 by 24 and the Hawks by a whopping 45 the week before.

But Luke Beveridge knows what his side is capable of and would be buoyed by that June performance, especially with some hard nuts among the potential inclusions for Thursday night.

The Dogs’ renowned ability in the 'phone box’ could be back on display, and if so, it’s a big step toward the win.

Speaking to gathered media at VU Whitten Oval on Monday, defender Dale Morris said the Dogs’ round 11 win does give his side some confidence going into Thursday night’s cutthroat final.

“We’ll look at things we did well last time we played them,” he said.

“They’re a very good team at home, their home ground advantage is a pretty big thing for them and we’ll take that into consideration.

“And that’s why this week’s been good. We’ve been able to tinker with things that we weren’t doing too well, so we’ll take that into this game and take a bit of confidence too.'

Whatever the case, Morris could barely suppress a smile when asked if he was looking forward to another taste of finals footy.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

“Everyone who’s playing this week, I can tell you are itching to get out there.”