OPTUS Stadium might not feel like home yet but West Coast is calling on fans to help turn the venue into a fortress by creating an intimidating atmosphere when Sydney comes to Perth this Sunday.
A partisan crowd of about 55,000 supporters is expected for the closing match of round one, which would be the largest attendance the Eagles have played in front of since the 2015 Grand Final.
It would also surpass the state's all-time record for a football match set when 52,781 watched the 1979 WAFL Grand Final.
While small forward Jamie Cripps believed the Eagles' new nest will take some getting used to, having almost 20,000 extra supporters behind them compared to Subiaco Oval should help establish home ground advantage.
To add to the pre-game atmosphere, West Coast is asking fans to imitate the players' huddle by putting their arms around their neighbours' shoulders after the coin toss.
"We have talked about a bit that we need the fans to get behind us, just like that last Adelaide game at Subiaco (in round 23 last year), to get us up and about," Cripps told AFL.com.au.
"We’ve only had a couple of runs out there so far, so we're still getting used to it.
"It's handy that Lathlain (Park) is the same size so we do get a feel for how big it is.
"It's exciting. I can't wait to get out there."
Hosting the first AFL game at Optus Stadium will herald the latest step in a new era for the Eagles.
The club has unveiled a redesigned logo, is building a new headquarters at Lathlain and will field three debutants in round one.
Father-son product Jake Waterman, explosive midfielder Daniel Venables and high-flying Liam Ryan had their moments during pre-season matches to book their spots and are set for an experience they will never forget.
"I suppose they just need to soak it in when they first get out there and make sure they do have a look around, walk around the oval and embrace the ground," Cripps said.
"Once the ball's bounced I'm sure they'll get in the zone and play the way we want to play.
"Early on they might be a bit nervous – I think most of the boys might be a bit toey – but once the ball is bounced it's game on."
All three debutants will spend time in a new-look forward line that has to find ways to cover dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy's absence.
The Eagles only booted 13 majors combined in two JLT Community Series matches without their star spearhead, with Kennedy's sidekick Jack Darling going goalless.
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui's long-awaited return should help address the supply issues that plagued West Coast last season (13th for inside 50s).
But locking the ball inside attack – once a hallmark of Adam Simpson's side – was another problem area after the Eagles ranked 14th for time in forward half last year.
"That's one of our forward line focuses each week is forward 50 pressure," Cripps said.
"All the new boys who are going to be playing in the forward line can do it. Jakey Waterman is a workhorse and he loves putting pressure on.
"(Ryan) is something we've been missing – a bit of excitement. He can take that big mark, he's elite on the ground and his pressure is one of his key things as well.
"I can't wait to play with him."
Some are predicting doom and gloom for regenerating West Coast in 2018, especially after a dismal showing against Fremantle to close out the pre-season campaign.
But Cripps insisted the Eagles can surprise the naysayers and remain in finals contention.
"It is like we're getting a new recruit with Nic. People forget how influential he is in games," he said.
"I feel like we're stronger than we were last year.
"We were up and down throughout the season, so hopefully we can play a few more consistent games."
