Where and when: Optus Stadium (Whadjuk), Saturday, March 5, 6:40pm (AWST)
TV: 7, Kayo and the AFLW website
Tickets: Available for purchase here, $10 for adults and free for children.
Last time we met: West Coast 4.6 (30) def. Western Bulldogs 3.8 (26) at Leederville Oval, round four, 2020.
The West Coast Eagles won their first AFLW match in the club’s history against the Western Bulldogs in round four, 2020. Coming into the half-time break five points down, the side managed to overrun the Bulldogs in the final two quarters of the match to eventually win the game by four points. Skipper Emma Swanson was in impressive in the midfield, collecting 22 disposals and eight tackles and booting West Coast’s second goal of the game, while vice-captain Dana Hooker (19 disposals, nine tackles) and Grace Kelly (14 disposals, one goal) were also amongst the best for the day.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast will be hungry for their first home victory at the year, as they take on the Bulldogs under lights at Optus Stadium. This would also be the team’s second win of the season, which would hand the group some confidence ahead of their final clash of the season against potential 2022 finalists North Melbourne. Both sides have improved immensely since meeting in West Coast’s inaugural season in 2020 and getting a win on the board against one of the competition’s foundation teams would only further show the Eagles’ development across the year.
The stat: Inside 50 entries will be vital this weekend after West Coast sending the ball into their forward line just 11 times last weekend against Brisbane. In round four, 2020 the Eagles managed to beat the Bulldogs in inside 50 entries (27 to 22) which proved costly for the Bulldogs who eventually fell to West Coast by four points.
The match-up: Emma Swanson v Ellie Blackburn
It will be a battle of the captains this weekend as Swanson and Blackburn line up on each other in the centre. Both major ball winners for their respective teams, Swanson and Blackburn have also both served in the AFLW competition since 2017. The skippers both have the same experience in the midfield and can break open a game through their contest work, meaning their ability to win the ball at ground level and follow up with a clearance could be crucial at key moments during the game.
It's a big week for: Beth Schilling
Draftee Beth Schilling will make her debut for West Coast under lights at Optus Stadium on Saturday after impressing senior coach Michael Prior during training sessions across the season. The versatile defender was pick four in the WA state draft and is known for her clean marking skills and accurate disposal. Schilling will be used off the half-back line with her ability to lock down on opponents important against the experienced Bulldogs forwards.
Big call: Bella Lewis the best Eagle afield with 20+ disposals and five score involvements.
