Where and When: Giants Stadium (Wann-gal), Saturday, September 17 at 11:10am AEST (9:10am AWST).
TV: Live on 7mate in WA, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Giants 7.6 (48) def Eagles 4.4 (28) at Blacktown International Sportspark, round 4 2021.
Irish forward Cora Staunton had a day out in the Giants 20-point defeat of the Eagles last time they met in Western Sydney during the 2021 season. The game was soured by a knee injury to West Coast star Aisling McCarthy who left the match with a knee injury after a collision in a marking contest. Like this upcoming game the sun was shining in 2021’s clash laying the foundation for a potent start for both teams a factor in the game the Eagles’ desperately need this weekend.
What it means for the Eagles: Word coming out of the Eagles’ camp is as dominate GWS were last weekend this is definitely a winnable game and the side is heading East with the belief they can get the job done. Despite a tough last two rounds the side have identified the outliers in their under-performance and have worked to fix them through the week. The Giants come into this clash confident after their first win of the year over rivals Sydney Swans and are no doubt looking to continue their winning ways.
The Stat: The Eagles scored 19 points in the first quarter last time they met the Giants, that’s more than the total amount of points in the first quarter combined in their last three games (17 points). Getting off to a strong start and scoring 20+ points in the first term will be crucial.
The match-up: Zarlie Goldsworthy vs Emma Swanson
Coming off an impressive two-goal debut Giants’ midfielder Goldsworthy will be out to prove she’s no one hit wonder. West Coast skipper Emma Swanson has preached preparation and process all week to her team and if there is one thing we know about Swanny is that she likes to lead by example. Last week she was successful in getting possession of the ball from the first bounce a key target Goldsworthy will also be looking for if she’s placed in the midfield. It’s a classic young v experience match up with everything to prove for both players.
It’s a big week for: Jaide Britton
After being announced she will make her debut this weekend, Peel Thunder’s Jaide Britton is determined to make something of her first appearance in AFLW. The speedy outside midfielder has put in the hard yards during pre-season to ensure she is physically and technically ready for AFLW level competition. Likely to play on the wing will have a big role to play this weekend delivering the ball forward and keeping the Eagles in their attacking 50.
Big Call: Aisling McCarthy will kick four goals in a return to the form we saw in round one.
