Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) keen to back up drought breaking win against Kuwarna (Adelaide)

Waalitj Marawar’s (West Coast) co-captain Oscar Allen says last week’s gutsy win over St Kilda was validation the rebuilding team was heading in the right direction, but that they are far from satisfied.

The Eagles snapped an 11-match losing streak starting last year when they upset the Saints by 28 points at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Their victory came just a day after the tragic death of premiership Eagle Adam Selwood at the age of 41.

The news left Eagles players shell-shocked, but they channelled Selwood’s renowned fighting spirit to produce the club’s best performance of the year.

West Coast have won just 11 games since the start of 2022, and are still hot favourites to claim this year’s wooden spoon despite finally breaking their duck.

But after battling through for a win against St Kilda, Allen says there is building evidence of things starting to turn.

“Sometimes you’re working really hard with no reward and you’re not really sure if you’re on the right path or not,” Allen said.

“I suppose the win is a little bit of validation that we are building towards something.

“There’s obviously a hell of a lot of work to go, and this isn’t a grand final celebration.

“We’ve won one game, but it’s just awesome that we can have a little bit of enjoyment and hopefully a bit of weight off the shoulders.”

West Coast’s progress will be put to the test when they take on the Crows in Adelaide on Sunday.

Making life more complicated for the Eagles is the fact star defender Jeremy McGovern may not play again due to lingering concussion issues.

McGovern will front the AFL’s concussion panel at some point in the coming weeks to find out his fate.

If McGovern is forced into retirement, Allen may need to play in defence more often this season.

Allen played in defence against Hawthorn and Melbourne before returning to his familiar attacking post against St Kilda, kicking two crucial goals.

“I had a lot of fun,” Allen said of his return to attack.

“I love working alongside Jake (Waterman). I think Bailey Williams is getting better with every game he plays.

“Liam Ryan, Tyler Brockman, Tim Kelly - it’s a fair group of blokes to be playing some footy with, so loving every minute of it, and really, really happy to be back out there playing forward.”

West Coast forwards Jamie Cripps (knee) and Matt Owies (calf) are set to miss about a month of action.

The duo have been replaced by Noah Long and Tyrell Dewar against the Crows.

Adelaide, who slipped to a 6-4 record following last week’s 10-point loss to Collingwood, recalled forward Luke Pedlar at the expense of Luke Nankervis.