Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, May 15, 3:20pm AWST
TV: Live in Perth, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Melbourne 10.12 (72) def. West Coast 9.9 (63) at Optus Stadium, round 21, 2021
It was an exhilarating finish , with the eventual premiers clinching a nine-point victory at the Eagles’ den. West Coast trailed by more than 30 points in the last quarter and the game looked all but over, until a shock lightning storm sent both teams into the change rooms for a 20-minute delay. An electrified Eagles returned to field, booting four consecutive goals, thanks to the class of Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui, Connor West and Jack Darling, but it wasn’t enough to thwart the strong Demons outfit, who hung on for victory.
What it means for the Eagles: An undermanned West Coast will again look to build on synergy and competitiveness, despite several senior players still sidelined, including skipper Luke Shuey and midfield bull Elliot Yeo. Facing another huge task against the undefeated Demons, the Eagles will give it all they’ve got at Optus Stadium, while celebrating midfielder Jack Redden’s 250th AFL game, and Samo Petrevski-Seton’s 100th.
The stat: West Coast have won two of their last three meetings against Melbourne, including the round 18 clash in 2019 in Alice Springs. But the reigning premiers currently sit on the top of the table, while West Coast is in last place.
The match-up: Bailey Williams v Max Gawn
Returning youngster Bailey Williams will face one of his most dangerous opponents to date, taking on Melbourne captain and five-time All Australian Max Gawn in the centre circle. In the absence of star ruckman Nic Naitanui (knee), prodigious leaper Williams has been promoted to first ruckman and will showcase his aerial ability against one of the competition’s best on Sunday. The work will be more than demanding but Williams has proven he’s up for the fight.
It’s a big week for: Jack Redden
Quietly consistent midfielder Jack Redden has compiled an excellent career, and will celebrate his 250th AFL match on Sunday afternoon. Redden’s grunt and work rate has seen him become a vital cog in the Eagles’ engine room, which will be more evident than ever on the weekend in the absence of Shuey and Yeo. Most likely tasked with a tagging role on Brownlow fancies Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, Redden will have his work cut out for him, but is undeniably the favoured option for the challenge.
Big call: Redden rises to the occasion and finishes as best Eagle afield with 30+ disposals.
