Where and when: Swinburne Centre Punt Road Oval (Wurundjeri), Saturday, January 22, 9.40am (AWST)
TV: Fox Footy, 7 Mate, Kayo and the AFLW website
Last time we met: Adelaide 2.6 (18) def. West Coast 8.8 (56) at Mineral Resources Park, round one, 2021.
The West Coast Eagles started last season with a hitout against 2019 premiers, Adelaide, on their home turf at Mineral Resources Park. Despite a strong showing in the first two quarters of the match – and coming into the long break just five points down – West Coast were unable to stop Adelaide’s experienced players in the second half, and eventually fell to the Crows by 38 points. But the Eagles engine room showed improvement from their maiden season, with skipper Emma Swanson (17 disposals, 11 tackles), vice-captain Dana Hooker (19, three clearances) and Aisling McCarthy (15, three) all laying a solid foundation for the year ahead.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast are determined to improve after two losses against Fremantle and Gold Coast, and the will have their work cut out for them against one of the competition’s most seasoned sides. Adelaide currently sit at the top of the league in marks (146), and rebound 50s (55), meaning the Eagles’ forwards (Parris Laurie, Andrea Gilmore, Aimee Schmidt and Melissa Caulfield) will have to work hard all day to lock the ball inside their offensive arc.
The stat: The Eagles may have fallen to the Crows by 38 points in round one last season, but were competitive in the contest, matching Adelaide in contested marks (five) and winning the stoppage clearances (19 to 18).
The match-up: Erin Phillips v Dana Hooker
Versatile midfielder Hooker is expected to again cross paths with Adelaide star Erin Phillips this Saturday, with both players entering their sixth year in the AFLW competition. Two-time All Australian – Hooker – is in career-best form after missing last season with a foot laceration, and will be captaining the side on Saturday. The returning star will also be tasked with playing on one of the competition’s most hardened midfielders in the centre circle, in a key to the battle for four premiership points.
It's a big week for: Ashton Hill
It will be 713 days since Hill has played an AFLW game, after succumbing to an ACL injury in West Coast’s inaugural match against Collingwood in 2020. The classy defender will bring agility and precision to the Eagles’ backline, with her knowledge of reading the play commended amongst teammates.
Big call: Sarah Lakay to win hitouts in her debut game against Adelaide’s Caitlin Gould and Montana McKinnon.
