Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, March 20, 4.40pm (AWST)
TV: Live on 7mate in Perth, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app
Last time we met: West Coast 12.11 (83) def. Gold Coast 8.10 (58) at Optus Stadium, round one, 2021
The contest was much closer than the final scoreline suggested, with the Eagles forced to click into top gear in the final term to overrun the visitors, who led by a point at the last change and were threatening a boilover. Young gun Oscar Allen (four goals) helped ensure the four points for West Coast, while Dom Sheed accumulated 34 disposals in a strong start to what would become his career-best season. Gold Coast lost emerging star Matt Rowell to a knee injury in the first term but threatened throughout with Ben King, who will be missing this season due to a knee reconstruction, kicking three goals.
What it means for the Eagles: It’s no secret the squad has been beset by injuries in the last few months, and while that situation can’t be helped, what the Eagles can control is their effort and intensity. They have worked hard on these areas at training over pre-season, and that will be the non-negotiable against a Suns outfit that often starts campaigns strongly. There will be added excitement as well with four debutants running out for the club. Two of them - Patrick Naish and Hugh Dixon – weren’t even on the list until recently, while second-round draft pick Brady Hough and recruit Samo Petrevski-Seton will also be hoping for a first-up victory after impressive summers
The stat: West Coast possesses a 9-0 record against Gold Coast in Perth.
The match-up: Nic Naitanui v Jarrod Witts
The Eagles midfield has been decimated for round one, and while Luke Shuey (hamstring), Tim Kelly (Health and Safety Protocols) and Elliot Yeo (calf) aren’t far away, even more rests on the shoulders of ruck talisman Naitanui to kick-start the engine room and get the ball moving West Coast’s way against a high-quality opponent. Naitanui, the reigning two-time John Worsfold medallist, has enjoyed a strong summer and appears primed to lead from the front once again in 2022.
It’s a big week for: Tom Barrass
Taken with pick 43 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, the Claremont product has proved another brilliant recruit for the Eagles from outside the upper reaches of the national player ballot – and in round one he will notch his 100th career game in blue and gold. Barrass learned his craft from the likes of Eric Mackenzie, Will Schofield and Jeremy McGovern and has developed into an elite key defender and leader around the club. After signing a long-term deal in December, Barrass has plenty of great football ahead of him.
Big call: Club debutant Hugh Dixon to kick three goals as a foil for veteran spearhead Josh Kennedy.
