Where and when: Gabba, Saturday, July 8, 1.45pm (11.45am AWST)
TV: Delayed on 7 in WA until 2.30pm. Live on Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo from 11.30am
Last time we met: Brisbane 16.9 (105) def. West Coast 4.6 (30) at the Gabba, round eight, 2022
Severely undermanned and fielding two Covid contingency listed players in the team against one of the premiership fancies, the Eagles were always battling against the odds at the Gabba and the Lions cruised to a 75-point victory. Midway through the third term West Coast only trailed by 29 points before the margin blew out, with star wingman Hugh McCluggage and electric forward Charlie Cameron both doing plenty of damage with four goals apiece for the home side. Liam Ryan kicked three of West Coast’s four majors, while young ruck Callum Jamieson impressed with his competitive spirit, winning 13 hitouts and collecting 12 touches in his second game.
What it means for the Eagles: On paper it looks a daunting challenge, but the Eagles will be buoyed by their performance against St Kilda and their task is to bring the same intensity and desire to a venue where Brisbane has not lost in seven home games this year. West Coast might be rank outsiders, however last week was a step forward and the Eagles will want to build on that performance.
The stat: This will be the sixth consecutive clash between the sides at the Gabba, with the teams yet to face off at Optus Stadium since the glittering venue opened in 2018.
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Lachie Neale
As has been the case for much of the season, one senior star goes out (Luke Shuey) and another returns to the engine room in Tim Kelly, who missed the spirited St Kilda loss due to illness. Shuey was the firestarter for West Coast last Sunday but couldn’t get up for the long trip to Queensland due to soreness. Plenty will fall on Kelly’s shoulders to front the onball division against Brisbane’s powerhouse midfield, led by Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale who racked up 34 touches, 10 clearances and kicked two goals in a rout or Richmond last round, with strong support from McCluggage (34) and Will Ashcroft (27). The Gabba is a short venue that scores can be kicked in quick succession from the centre and that midfield battle will be pivotal.
It’s a big week for: Jeremy McGovern
After a false start two weeks ago, the defensive colossus is back for his first game since round three’s RAC Derby. McGovern did everything he could to get back as quickly as possible from hamstring tendon surgery and the four-time All-Australian’s presence will make his teammates walk taller on Saturday.
Big call: Elijah Hewett to build on last round’s electric effort by breaking the 20-disposal mark (and kick another two goals) for the first time in his career.
