Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, April 9, 3.20pm

TV: Live on Ch7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 5.8 (38) def. by Melbourne 16.16 (112) at Optus Stadium, round nine, 2022

The undermanned Eagles were up for the fight but outclassed by the reigning premiers, who slammed on six goals-to-one in the first term and never looked back. The efforts of defenders Tom Barrass (10 marks, six intercept possessions), Liam Duggan (26 disposals) and Jeremy McGovern (23) were commendable on a tough night, while Tim Kelly (32) never stopped trying and rugged onballer Connor West had his best game in blue and gold with 29 disposals and five clearances.

What it means for the Eagles: Opportunity knocks for youth after a brutal RAC Derby injury toll, with no bigger challenge than taking on one of the premiership fancies. West Coast fans were proud of the effort with no fit players on the interchange bench in the last quarter against Fremantle and the same commitment and spirit will be required on Easter Sunday.

06:42

Ginbey named Rising Star

Round Three Rising Star winner Reuben Ginbey joins Cal Twomey on AFL.com.au to discuss his performance against the Dockers

The stat: Rising Star nominee Reuben Ginbey leads the AFL in tackles with 26 just three games into his career.

The match-up: Reuben Ginbey v Clayton Oliver

Ginbey has been on a learning curve against some of the game’s established midfielders in Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tom Green and Caleb Serong in the opening three rounds to fast-track his development and will get no better understanding of the in and under onballer role than playing on Melbourne gun Oliver. Ginbey hasn’t been playing as a pure stopper, and will be keen to keep working off his opponent after collecting a personal best 20 disposals in the RAC Derby, building on his 15 and 17-possession efforts in the opening rounds.

Tom Barrass will captain the club against Melbourne

It’s a big week for: Tom Barrass

Hamstring injuries suffered by skipper Luke Shuey and co vice-captain Jeremy McGovern in the RAC Derby mean that recently elevated vice-captain Barrass will lead the Eagles into battle for the first time. The reigning John Worsfold medallist will presumably also resume the role he played regularly as West Coast’s chief interceptor last season with McGovern sidelined and has an even more crucial part to play in leading the backline group.

Big call: Connor West to back-up last year's impressive game and lead the Eagles for contested possessions upon his return to the side.