Where and when: Casey Fields (Bunurong/Boonwurrung), Saturday, October 29, 1:10am AEDT (10:10am AWST).
TV: Live on 7Two in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Melbourne Demons 10.6 (66) def West Coast Eagles 1.1 (7) at Casey Fields, round five, 2020.
It was a very one-sided clash the last time the Eagles ventured to Casey Fields to face the Demons back in 2020. The wind was a huge contributing factor to the game as the Demons were able to convert their opportunities well and use their home ground advantage to hit the scoreboard significantly. Eagles’ skipper Emma Swanson had a solid performance (XX possessions) while Dana Hooker stepped up as well, collecting 14 disposals and laying 11 tackles.
What it means for the Eagles: While West Coast has played at Casey Fields before, that was over two years ago and majority of the squad has changed after the club decided to take a fresh youth focussed approach into season seven. Many of the players in the Eagles side haven’t played Melbourne before let alone away at Casey Fields – a place the Demons have turned into a bit of a fortress over the last few years, making it very hard for travelling teams to win on the road in the often windy conditions. It’s going to have to be the Eagles youngsters that step up and take a stand this weekend and not be intimidated by the Demons top two standing on the AFLW ladder.
The stat: The biggest outlying stat of last weekend was the Eagles only having 37 against the Bulldogs 61. West Coast usually come out strong and see a lot of inside 50s in the early part of the game, the key however is to keep the ball in that area of the ground. If they can lift their tackle numbers, particularly in the forward line, they’ll be able to lock the ball in their front half and create more opportunities to hit the scoreboard.
The match-up: Tahlia Gillard vs Ella Roberts
It’s a Rising Star clash this weekend as Melbourne’s Tahlia Gillard steps up into the conversation after her defensive effort last weekend saw her nominated for the prestigious award. Roberts, who has been playing up forward all season, has been solid throughout and will be desperate to win this week’s matchup against a fellow AFLW rookie. Last weekend, Roberts pulled in one of her now trademark high-flying marks to be nominated for Mark of the Year award alongside her 11 disposals and five contested possessions. Coming up against Gillard she’ll have a tough challenge as the youngster is shaping up to be one of the best defenders on Melbourne’s list. Both players in this head-to-head clash have everything to prove this weekend and will want to push their case for the season seven’s Rising Star award one final time.
It’s a big week for: Belinda Smith
One of the Eagles’ most valuable defenders, Belinda Smith will play her 50th game of AFLW this weekend, celebrating a key milestone at the end of what she describes as a valuable year for her own development and the team’s respectively. The 27-year-old has responded well to a change in mindset this year, moving into a leadership role within the West Coast backline. While Smith will be excited to play her 50th game, her focus will be centred around her teammates and getting them prepared for what will be the biggest challenge this year facing Melbourne.
Big Call: Belinda Smith will kick her first ever goal of AFLW during the defender’s 50th game.
