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MATT Rosa says he will play whatever role is required on Grand Final day, even if it means starting as West Coast's substitute.

The Eagles veteran started as the sub in the preliminary final against North Melbourne, despite gathering 26 touches in the qualifying final win against Hawthorn.

Rosa admitted he was a little bit surprised to be handed the green vest in the preliminary final but said he would wear it again on Saturday if need be.

"It's the role that you get given on the day," Rosa told AFL.com.au.

"You've got to be open to what the coaches want you to do. There's no egos within the group – whatever you've got to do you've got to do."

Saturday's Grand Final will be the last game where the substitute rule is in place as it has been abolished for next season.  

Rosa is one of only a handful of Eagles to have experienced Grand Final week before. He was an emergency in the 2006 Grand Final and participated in the parade, the final training session, and team meetings despite not playing in the premiership win over the Sydney Swans.

"It's good to have gone through the experience before," Rosa said. 

"It was definitely beneficial to go through that. I think after all the setbacks and the tough times you go through there's definitely more satisfaction now, probably towards the end of my career rather than as a 19-year-old. 

"I came to the club and we made the Grand Final in the first two years so I thought, 'How good is this? This is what it's like every year'. 

"Then you soon realise it is tough to win games of AFL footy. You need a bit of luck."

Rosa has played some different roles under Adam Simpson after so many years playing in the midfield under John Worsfold. He has moved down back this season to assist an injury-depleted defence.

He said it had been challenging as an older player adapting to a new coach and a new role, but was full of praise for Simpson. 

"You do wonder where you fit in the scheme of things," Rosa said.

"But it was refreshing in a way to see his thoughts on the game and they're obviously different to previous coaches we've had in the past. 

"So I just went in with an open mind and a really positive mindset to soak up a different perspective. 

"It's been different for me personally playing different roles, especially this year. 

"It's something that's probably developed me as a player and added more strings to my bow."