Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, July 30, 2.40pm
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 12.10 (82) def. by North Melbourne 12.15 (87) at Marvel Stadium, round one, 2023.
The Eagles gave it a red-hot crack in round one against the Roos, falling by just five points at Marvel Stadium. Six unanswered goals in the first half from the home side created a margin that West Coast just couldn’t chase down, despite a late fight-back in the final quarter. In what was a tight contest, West Coast stayed in the hunt despite being beaten in some key stats, including clearances (41-26) and contested possessions (-27). Nick Larkey (six goals) and debutant Harry Sheezel (34 disposals) were dominant for North, while the veterans stood tall for the Eagles, with Liam Ryan (three goals, seven marks), Luke Shuey (27 disposals, eight tackles, one goal), Shannon Hurn (25 disposals) and Dom Sheed (25) all producing solid performances.
What it means for the Eagles: Both teams come into round 20 on the back of 16-straight losses and will be desperate to put an end to their unflattering streaks. West Coast have been focusing on their slow starts and stopping the opposition from gaining momentum, and while it didn’t go to plan against an in-form Carlton last week, the message will be reinforced against the 17th placed Kangaroos. In what should be a winnable game for the home side, securing the four points will not only be a massive boost for a young and developing squad, doing so in front of the Eagles faithful at Optus Stadium will certainly raise some spirits.
The stat: The last time West Coast beat North Melbourne was at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast in round 18 of the COVID-affected 2020 season, in front of just 724 fans.
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Luke Davies-Uniacke
The game will be won or lost in the middle this week. Stopping the ball from entering the Kangaroos’ forward fifty will relieve some pressure off an undermanned Eagles backline. Tim Kelly and the midfielders will have a strong influence on the game if they can be first to the footy and keep it away from a dangerous Luke Davies-Uniacke, who comes into this game off a 33-disposal game against the Saints last weekend.
It’s a big week for: The Eagles backline
West Coast will be without two key defenders on Sunday, with Jeremy McGovern (delayed concussion) and Tom Barrass (back) ruled out. The depleted Eagles backline will need to rally and step up to the task if West Coast is to stay competitive in the contest.
Big call: Coming off a career-high 19 disposals against Carlton last week, Eagles young gun Campbell Chesser will finish with 30+ disposals and kick his first AFL goal.
