Where and when: Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval (Bunerong), Tuesday, February 8, 2:10pm (AWST)
TV: Fox Footy, 7 Mate, Kayo and the AFLW website
Last time we met: St Kilda 11.10 (76) def. West Coast 3.2 (20) at Mineral Resources Park, round nine, 2021.
The West Coast Eagles started strong against St Kilda in the final round of 2021, coming into the quarter-time break four points up. But the classy Saints outfit outran West Coast after the first term and eventually toppled the side by 56 points. While West Coast were missing their skipper in Emma Swanson (suspended), as well as vice-captain Dana Hooker (foot) midfielders Mikayla Bowen (22 disposals, four marks), Bella Lewis (13, five) and Niamh Kelly (13, three) stood up, while Grace Kelly (two goals) and Melissa Caulfield (one) were able to hit the scoreboard.
What it means for the Eagles: The winless Eagles are hungry for their first victory of the season and will give it their all before boarding a flight home to Perth. While West Coast have faced adversity in their extended Melbourne hub, a win would give the youthful squad some reward for effort after narrowly losing matches against Gold Coast and Geelong in the final moments of the game. After being bested by St Kilda by 56 points in round nine 2021, the opportunity to showcase their improvement will also be welcomed, with the squad training lightly over a three-day break after the round five clash against the Cats.
The stat: West Coast must look for arsenal inside 50 this weekend as they strive towards their first win of the season. Last year, St Kilda beat the Eagles in inside 50 entries (41 to 21) and marks inside 50 (16 to zero), meaning forward-line firepower is vital in the side’s final Melbourne hub match.
The match-up: Aimee Schmidt v Hannah Priest
It’s going to be a battle inside West Coast’s offensive arc as Schmidt and Priest strive to give their team the first win of the season. Schmidt is having a terrific season as West Coast’s highest goal scorer (three from four games), while Priest looked good in St Kilda’s loss to Melbourne on Saturday, with 14 disposals and four marks. Experienced forward Schmidt will look to outcompete and challenge the St Kilda skipper aerially, with both taking four marks in their respective round five clashes.
It's a big week for: Shanae Davison
After a solid pre-season, Davison will play her first match for West Coast in 2022. The small forward has been gunning for selection but was temporarily sidelined after breaking her finger at training last week. Now, Davison will have her first opportunity to run out in the blue and gold in a winnable game against St Kilda on Tuesday.
Big call: Bella Lewis best Eagle afield with 20-plus disposals and five-plus tackles.
