Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, July 10, 2.40pm
TV: Live on Ch7 in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Carlton 10.13 (73) def. by West Coast 14.11 (95) at the SCG, round 12, 2021
Fielding one of the club’s youngest teams of recent times, West Coast had backs to the wall against the Blues but, inspired by first-time skipper Nic Naitanui and four-goal hero Liam Ryan, the Eagles delivered a stirring victory at the SCG. The likes of debutant Luke Edwards, Bailey Williams, Harry Edwards and Luke Foley held up their end of the bargain, with Foley slotting a brilliant running goal late in the third quarter that gave the Eagles a 16-point lead - enough breathing space to hang on for victory.
What it means for the Eagles: The team has been building momentum since the bye, with encouraging efforts against finals-quality teams Geelong and Richmond sandwiching a win over Essendon, and taking on Carlton at home is a chance for the Eagles to keep the ball rolling. Despite losing star Elliot Yeo (hamstring), the inclusion of champion spearhead Josh Kennedy (knee) will fuel West Coast’s belief victory is possible over a top-four contender.
The stat: West Coast has won the past seven clashes against Carlton, with the last loss a three-point thriller in round 6, 2014 at Marvel Stadium.
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Sam Walsh
They are two of the competition’s form midfielders and will have a major say on who wins the engine room battle. In his fourth season, Walsh is averaging 32.8 disposals and has arguably become the Blues’ most dangerous onballer, ahead of superstar skipper Patrick Cripps. Across the past three games Walsh has averaged nearly 36 touches and five clearances. Meanwhile, Kelly was simply sublime last round against Richmond, racking up 40 disposals and booting two goals in a flawless performance at the MCG. The silky smooth star has shrugged off the flu and appears primed for a big run home.
It’s a big week for: Rhett Bazzo
The promising key defender has made an impressive start to his budding career, taking on some of the competition’s star forwards – including Jeremy Cameron and Jack Riewoldt – and holding his own. Another massive challenge awaits on Sunday, when Bazzo is likely to spend some time on Charlie Curnow and possibly Coleman medallist Harry McKay as he continues fast-tracking his development in his debut campaign after being drafted with pick 37 last year.
Big call: Recruit Samo Petrevski-Seton to pick up 20+ disposals for the first time this year and kick his second goal for West Coast against his former team, who he represented 94 times after being drafted via pick No.6 in 2016.
