Where and when: Mineral Resources Park (Whadjuk), Friday, October 7, 5:10pm AWST
TV: Live on 7mate in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: West Coast Eagles 7.3 (45) def by Richmond 10.8 (68) at Mineral Resources Park, round seven 2022.
In the corresponding round to this year’s encounter, Richmond was able to put on an impressive midfield display giving them the drive to run out the game with a 23-point victory last time the teams met. Mineral Resources Park played host to the match as clear skies and little wind contributed to the high scoring affair, which resulted in West Coast scoring their highest score of that season. West Coast’s leaders led the fight with Emma Swanson fuelling her side’s attack with 22 disposals and two majors alongside Dana Hooker who was also consistent with 24 disposals. Aimee Schmidt also hit the scoreboard scoring a career high three goals.
What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles are chasing their third win of the season and ultimately their best win-loss record since entering the competition in 2020. Last season’s clash was won and lost in the first two quarters as the Tigers dominated contested ball (33-22) and clearances (9-5), allowing them to spread quickly and rack up disposals (65-38). Starting games off well will still be a key focus for West Coast after it was a point of contention in the early part of the season. This was remedied quickly however as the Eagles opened last round with a vengeance scoring four goals in the first quarter.
The stat: Despite each side’s form and record, West Coast leads Richmond in average marks (37-31), tackles (62-56.5) and hit outs (31.8-25.3) making this a very evenly matched encounter on the stat sheet.
The match-up: Ella Roberts v Emelia Yassir
Both are forwards that can match up in the midfield if needed. Roberts and Yassir are two key prospects to keep in mind as future stars of this league. Roberts bagged a Rising Star nomination last week against Hawthorn off the back of an exciting performance that resulted in her first ever AFLW goal. Yassir was Richmond’s player of the game in her side’s victory over the Suns with ten disposals, nine tackles and three inside 50’s. The similarities are endless between both these players with only a year age gap.
It’s a big week for: Bella Lewis
There’s no doubt the 19-year-old has been playing out of her skin for almost every round during season seven. Last week she spearheaded an Eagles midfield that showcased their best footy in the first quarter of that encounter. However, it’s off the field factors that play into the importance of this round for the young midfielder. Lewis has been a champion of the upcoming Pride Round and a main contributor towards the club’s first ever Pride guernsey that was unveiled this week. While they say external factors shouldn’t affect a player’s game the excitement that comes with wearing this strip is undeniable for Lewis.
Big Call: Bella Lewis will have a career night with 25+ disposals and one major at the final siren.
