It’s the label Eagles fans hoped had been left behind: Flat-track bullies.

But the term has reared its head again after West Coast’s 11-point loss to Richmond at the MCG last weekend – a game the favoured Eagles had plenty of chances to win.

Analyst Mark Robinson made the claim on AFL 360 last night following the WA club’s fourth loss in their past five games at the home of football.

“They don’t like the MCG, and a couple of players performed poorly there again,” Robinson said.

“I don’t want to say it… but it’s meant they’re flat-track bullies again.

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“I’m really looking forward to seeing how they play this week.

“If Adam Simpson’s watching the show, or the players are watching the show, or fans… they’ll probably say, ‘You’re an idiot’.

“But I reckon I’ve got really strong evidence that you’re flat-track bullies still.”

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West Coast appeared to shake the ‘bullies’ tag late last year with a string of impressive late-season victories, including road wins over finals sides GWS and Adelaide, before losing to eventual premier Western Bulldogs in an elimination final.

The Eagles have also come under the microscope for their lack of defensive pressure to start 2017, ranking the poorest of the top-eight sides for leaking scores.

Adam Simpson’s side takes on last year’s runner-up Sydney in a Domain Stadium blockbuster tomorrow night, with the Swans desperate to snap a three-game losing streak to open the season.