Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, March 27, 1.10pm AEDT (10.10am AWST)
TV: Live on Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app. Delayed on 7 in Perth.
Last time we met: West Coast 8.12 (60) def by. North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Optus Stadium, round 17, 2021
A rare Monday night clash played in the wet never reached any great heights and the Roos took their chances as they emerged 10-point winners at Optus Stadium. Coming back from an 11-point deficit at three-quarter time, the Eagles – who had kicked 3.12 to the last change – stormed to the lead with four consecutive goals and appeared to have victory within grasp before North responded. Tim Kelly had 25 disposals and kicked a goal to be among the Eagles’ best.
What it means for the Eagles: It has been a challenging build-up again for West Coast, with 13 of the round one team unavailable, a dozen of those due to the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols. Five players – including three COVID Contingency List call-ups – will debut, and the task is ahead of coach Adam Simpson and his thrown together side to take it up to North Melbourne under the roof.
The stat: West Coast and North Melbourne have only met once at Marvel Stadium in their past 15 encounters – a 43-point win for the Eagles in round one, 2017. The other games have been played at Subiaco (eight), Blundstone Arena (three), Optus Stadium (two) and Metricon Stadium (one).
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Jy Simpkin
Kelly will be champing at the bit to get into the action after a brilliant pre-season and lead into round one was paused by the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols. His drive through midfield was sorely missed and while there are plenty of others missing, Kelly can do some damage, as can Simpkin, who was one of North’s best with 29 disposals and two of his team’s eight goals in their loss to Hawthorn in round one.
It’s a big week for: Luke Shuey
Despite the misfortune of a raft of others missing, it’s a sight for sore eyes to see the skipper back in the team. Shuey was held back from the season-opening loss to Gold Coast but is raring to go for the Roos clash, two months after his most recent soft-tissue setback. Fingers crossed for the inspirational onballer to face no more hurdles from here, and his leadership will be invaluable in a side full of new faces.
Big call: Samo Petrevski-Seton to bob up with 20 disposals and two goals in a hybrid mid-forward role.
