Where and when: GMHBA Stadium, Saturday, August 20, 4.35pm (2.35pm AWST)

TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.

Last time we met: West Coast 9.9 (63) def. by Geelong 12.9 (81) at Optus Stadium, round 14, 2022

The Eagles turned a corner coming off the mid-season bye with a much-improved performance against the Cats in the week the club celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the groundbreaking 1992 premiership triumph over Geelong. Tim Kelly was a late withdrawal due to illness while Jeremy McGovern suffered a season-ending rib injury. Elliot Yeo (22 disposals and 11 rebound 50s) starred across half-back, while Andrew Gaff and Jack Redden were the prime movers in midfield. 

What it means for the Eagles: The season finale might not mean a lot in the grand scheme but for West Coast it’s another opportunity to test its growing brand and identity against the minor premiers. A strong performance would be an encouraging boost to take into the off-season. Ideally, there’s also the wooden spoon to avoid, which should be achievable barring a huge loss or North Melbourne defeating Gold Coast.

02:02

Crippa's 200th

Take a look at the crafty forward's best moves as he sets up to play his 200th game for the West Coast Eagles

The stat: The Eagles are aiming to break a seven-game losing streak against Geelong at the Cattery.

The match-up: Tim Kelly v Patrick Dangerfield

Kelly returns from suspension to face his former side and will be gearing up for a big performance to finish off a strong campaign (averaging 24 disposals and 5.8 clearances), while Brownlow medallist Dangerfield will be hoping to celebrate his 300th match in style at GMHBA Stadium. Both teams are missing their first choice ruckmen, with Nic Naitanui (knee) absent and Rhys Stanley (adductor) missing for Geelong, so the ground-level midfield battle will be pivotal.

Patrick Dangerfield and Tim Kelly

It’s a big week for: Jamie Cripps

The selfless half-forward tends to let his footy do the talking as he flies under the radar but for the occasion of his 200th game for West Coast he’s received due recognition internally for a fine achievement. Eighth all-time on the Eagles’ goalkicking list, Cripps’ trade from St Kilda has proven a major success and as a much-loved player his teammates will want to put in a strong performance during his milestone match.

Big call: All-Australian candidate Tom Barrass to hold Geelong power forward Tom Hawkins, an outside Coleman Medal chance seven majors off the pace, goalless at the Cattery.