Where and when: Metricon Stadium, Sunday, July 31, 1.10pm (11.10am AWST)

TV: Live on Ch7 in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.

Last time we met: West Coast 12.8 (80) def. Gold Coast 16.11 (107) at Optus Stadium, round one, 2022

An undermanned Eagles side missing about half of the best 22 went down fighting against Gold Coast in West Coast’s first loss to the Suns in Perth from 10 contests. Experienced midfield duo Andrew Gaff (32 disposals) and Jack Redden (28) stood tall, while Willie Rioli showed the class fans had sorely missed in two-and-a-half years on the sidelines. Star full-back Tom Barrass kicked his first career goal and was mobbed in his 100th career game, while Jamaine Jones impressed after a strong summer with two goals and 21 disposals.

00:51

Barrass boots first goal in 100 games

Key defender Tom Barrass makes no mistake, putting through his first major in his milestone match

What it means for the Eagles: Adam Simpson’s men have been competitive without getting much reward in the ‘W’ column since the bye and know that their best football is good enough to match it with a finals contender like the Suns. Putting together a consistent effort across four quarters has been a challenge, but Sunday’s trip to Metricon Stadium is another opportunity to take a step in the right direction, trial some players in different positions and look for more ‘little wins’ amongst the emerging next generation of Eagles.

The stat: The Eagles haven’t beaten Gold Coast at Metricon since a 52-point win in round 23, 2014. There was a draw in 2015, followed by three and 44-point defeats since.

The match-up: Nic Naitanui v Jarrod Witts

Naitanui is set to return from two weeks on the sidelines recovering from knee soreness for a monster clash against commanding Suns skipper Witts. The Eagles have lost the the inside 50 count in the past three games but Naitanui’s comeback is a boost to the team’s hopes of winning the pivotal territory battle, which can be especially important in the often slippery conditions at Metricon Stadium.

02:44

Teammates celebrate Gaff

Fellow midfielders share their memories and appreciation for Andrew Gaff ahead of his 250th game this weekend

It’s a big week for: Andrew Gaff

Only 10 other Eagles have reached the 250-game milestone for the club and few faster than the durable wingman. A model of consistency and John Worsfold medallist in 2015, the 30-year-old would appear to have plenty of football left in him and appears all-but certain to follow in Shannon Hurn’s footsteps as a 300-game player, but first he will be hoping for an against-the-odds victory over the Suns on Sunday.

Big call: Tim Kelly to bounce back from a quiet match against St Kilda with 30 disposals and two goals.