After enduring a gruelling pre-season both on and off the field and turning-over 11 places on the club's list, West Coast is well-placed to do well in 2008, according to captain Darren Glass.

And the two-time All Australian believes the club will cope without its midfield talismans and his own immediate predecessors as captain, Chris Judd and Ben Cousins, better than many expect.

"We didn't have 'Juddy' pretty much in the second half of last year and we didn't have Cousins most of the year, so it's not going to be quite the drastic change that everyone imagines," Glass told Sportal ahead of Saturday's opening round clash with the Brisbane Lions at Subiaco.

"Last season Matt Priddis got some terrific experience, Matt Rosa did, Shannon Hurn got a run through the midfield so I think we’ve got a good, young list with lots of upside."

"We've got Chad Fletcher back, he had some niggling injuries last year, so it's not going to be the change that people expect."

"All those players will improve because they're hard workers and because they’ve got more games experience."

Glass takes over in a period of transition in the wake of the Gillard report into the club's handling of a raft of player misdemeanours over several years and, as the new face of West Coast, he's keen to set a steady course.

"The club is better equipped to handle off field situations better than we ever have been," he said.

"We've learned from the past."

"Definitely is feels like a new era, there's some new faces, new challenges, it feels like a fresh start for the club."

Glass declined to nominate where he believes the Eagles will finish the season, preferring to focus on improvement.

And he's well aware of his own role in the process and the value of strong leadership.

"As a leader you always have to set the example, that's a non-negotiable. I can't demand things of the players if I'm not doing it myself," he said.

"I see my role as captain as helping the group reach its full potential."