Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and border restrictions, the West Coast Eagles will play a condensed fixture in Melbourne over the next fortnight, beginning with a match against St Kilda on Friday.
The players will then have a four day break before clashing with Collingwood on the first at Victoria Park (Wurundjeri), on Tuesday, February 1st.
All West Coast Eagles players, staff and coaches are looking forward to embracing a new challenge and are thankful to the WA Government, AFL and opposition teams for their cooperation.
The playing group are excited to test themselves against some quality sides in this upcoming week of football.
"We are aligned with the same objectives of the WA Government, keep everyone safe and healthy, so we understand the reasons behind the new WA 14-day quarantine regime," General Manager of Community and Game Development, Richard O'Connell said.
"We have worked in partnership with the AFL, opposition teams and the broadcaster to adjust our stay in Victoria to play as many games as possible – the willingness of all parties to be flexible is really appreciated.
"The sooner everyone can return home to work and families is really important for wellbeing but also for those WA employers who are running a bit shorter during this period so our players have the opportunity to pursue their AFLW dreams.
"A compressed schedule presents challenges but these are not insurmountable when compared to the challenges facing front line workers, small business and families with loved ones tackling COVID.
"Our sports science and medical staff will carefully manage the squads training loads to keep them as fresh as practical, they understand at times it will be a gruelling but we have a tough resilient squad who understand what they are up against.
"We are disappointed at the lack of premiership points so far this season, but we also need to remind ourselves as a team that we have only played 17 games in our AFLW history, so we are raw but believe challenges likes this will accelerate our development in the long term."
