Where and when: Metricon Stadium (Yugambeh), Sunday, September 4, 5:10pm (3.10pm AWST).
TV: Live on 7 (WA), Fox Footy and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Gold Coast 7.4 (46) def West Coast 5.3 (33) at Victoria University Whitten Oval, round two 2022.
West Coast suffered a devastating loss last time they faced the Suns, coughing up a 16-point lead in the final term and going down by 13 points. The heartbreaking loss came in the Eagles’ first match in their Melbourne hub and signified an end to Gold Coast’s 11-game losing drought. Current players Emma Swanson, Dana Hooker and Aisling McCarthy all put in superb performances with Swanson tallying up 20 disposals, 12 kicks and nine tackles.
What it means for the Eagles: While the side isn’t looking for redemption against the Suns a win here would give the Eagles their first back-to-back victory in the team’s short history. Round one’s win against Port Adelaide has given the squad a healthy dose of belief to start the season however staying on task has been the main theme of the week coming from the side’s leadership group. While Gold Coast had a tough outing last week against North Melbourne, they aren’t a team to be taken lightly and they know a win here will be crucial in getting their season back on track.
The stat: The Eagles could win back-to-back games for the first time in the club’s history if they are successful over the Suns.
The match-up: Aisling McCarthy vs Alison Drennan
Coming off a stellar round one performance earning her 10 votes in the AFLCA Champion Player voting and a nomination for goal of the year, Aisling McCarthy has kicked off the year on a hot run of form. Defending Suns’ Club Champion Alison Drennan also came out strong with a 20-disposal performance and has come out saying her side will be much improved as they enter their first home game of the season. Both matching up in the midfield Drennan is going to have her hands full trying to stop McCarthy, who will take confidence from winning the one-on-one battle with arguably the competition’s most revered player, Erin Phillips, last week.
It’s a big week for: Imahra Cameron
Last season’s leading goal scorer Aimee Schmidt will stay on the sidelines this week due to concussion protocol, providing an opportunity for dazzling forward Imahra Cameron. The Swan Districts product had arguably the best game of her AFLW career against the Suns collecting 20 disposals and 12 kicks at Mineral Resources Park in 2020.
Big Call: Jessica Sedunary will have a career performance getting 20+ disposals and over five tackles.
