It took the Temora product some time to be convinced by Collingwood but he is confident they can get the job done against West Coast.

“It probably took me over halfway through the season to really believe that the Pies were a genuine contender,” Breust said.

“We played them in round one and beat them by 30-odd points or something and after the game, Clarko said the ‘Pies are a better side than what they showed tonight. I thought it was a bit of a throwaway comment but he was actually right on the money and the longer the season went on, the more you started to believe that maybe they are the real deal.”

Breust believes the trip interstate will be too much for the Eagles to overcome.

“I do rate the Eagles, we played Etihad Stadium this year and they beat us by about 15 points but unfortunately for the Eagles, they’re an interstate team,” he said.

“The interstate sides have struggled over history with grand finals.

“The Eagles would have learnt from 2015, I’m not sure how many players are still playing from then, but that will be huge for their group but I just think the home grown advantage of Collingwood is massive.

“We felt the same thing when we were going through it, everything’s just so familiar. You know exactly what’s going on. That will be huge for the ‘Pies and I thought they were pretty impressive against Richmond, as much as the Eagles were impressive against Melbourne, if the ‘Pies can replicate anywhere near that they’re going to be tough to beat.”

Collingwood by 5 points

Norm Smith Medal: Steele Sidebottom

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