Where and When: Mineral Resources Park (Whadjuk), Sunday, September 11, 4:10pm AWST

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

 Last time we met: N/A

Essendon have been particularly potent in the final quarters of matches, similar to West Coast, in the first two rounds of the competition. Sunday’s game will come down to who can come out of the gates first and establish momentum early. West Coast will be focussing on improving around clearances and getting the footy into the front half more often. The connection between the Eagles’ midfield and their forwards will be key if they want to convert more often this weekend.

What it means for the Eagles: After coming off a disappointing performance to Gold Coast in round two, West Coast are looking to get back to playing the style of football they’ve worked on during the pre-season, with the chance to get back ahead on the win-loss ledger.

 The stat: The past two rounds Essendon has scored six goals and four behinds in the last quarters of their games, marginally better than West Coast’s four goals in round one and two goals in round two. Establishing scoreboard dominance early will be key for either side.

07:17

Prior and Cameron press conference 07.09.22

West Coast AFLW senior coach Michael Prior and forward Imahra Cameron speak to the media ahead of the club's Indigenous Round match against Essendon.

 The match-up: Charlie Thomas v Georgia Gee

Over the first two rounds second-year defender Charlie Thomas has been thriving in her position and is starting to solidify herself in a key role Michael Prior’s side. Georgia Gee was limited to 10 possessions last weekend against her former side Carlton and will be looking to bounce back this week.  Thomas’s work rate and intense pressure around the ball could help stifle the Bombers’ star and limit her opportunities to get the ball into Essendon’s forward 50.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 27: Aimee Schmidt of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 01 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Port Adelaide Power at Mineral Resources Park on August 27, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

 It’s a big week for: Aimee Schmidt

After missing last week with concussion West Coast’s season six leading goal scorer Aimee Schmidt will have a big role to play, with the team’s clear intent to convert more opportunities this season. Schmidt’s experience will be vital in lifting the new recruits up forward, including Ella Roberts and Kate Bartlett, who both have had good starts to the season. Her inclusion back into this side will be invaluable to injecting more firepower into the Eagles’ attack.     

 Big Call: Isabella Lewis will top her career high of 18 disposals she bagged against the Bulldogs in round nine last season.