Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, May 27, 5.40pm
TV: Live on 7mate in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 16.11 (107) def. Essendon 14.13 (97) at Optus Stadium, round 15, 2022
Under the Friday night lights at home, the Eagles produced a rollicking display to overcome Essendon in a thriller thanks to a five-goal bag from champion spearhead Josh Kennedy. West Coast kicked its highest score for the campaign in the first home victory of 2022. Junior Rioli and Jamie Cripps both slotted three goals, while Jack Darling chipped in with two, as the Eagles wound the clock back with their efficiency and kicked a winning score, despite losing the inside 50 count 42-58.
What it means for the Eagles: The chance to move on from a shocking performance against Hawthorn last round. When the Eagles bring their effort and energy the team can play an attractive brand of football, but that was sorely lacking in Launceston and the manner of defeat wasn’t acceptable, even for a team ravaged by injuries and illness.
The stat: West Coast has won four of the past five encounters against Essendon and has a 3-2 win-loss record over the Bombers at Optus Stadium.
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Zach Merrett
The Bombers captain was in red-hot form last round, inspiring Essendon to a come-from-behind victory over Richmond with a stunning 39-disposal performance that included nine score involvements and three goal assists. Merrett’s class around the clinches and impact on games is similar to Kelly’s influence for the Eagles, and the silky-smooth West Coast midfielder would likely be leading the John Worsfold Medal count nearing the half-way stage of the campaign. Kelly has been fighting through plenty of attention from opposition teams but has the capacity to ignite the blue and gold engine room on Saturday night.
It’s a big week for: Elliot Yeo
Unsighted at any level since the Gather Round loss to Geelong in Adelaide, the two-time John Worsfold medallist will be hoping he finally receives some luck on the injury front, with the opportunity to build towards the bye and run home. Yeo could be deployed across half-back again, where his rebound, competitiveness and overhead ability will be welcome additions to an undermanned defence.
Big call: Liam Duggan could be set for a shift back into midfield with some backline troops returning and might challenge his personal record of 36 disposals in a game, leading from the front as he has done all season.
