Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday, August 5, 1.45pm (11:45am AWST)
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 6.10 (46) def. by Essendon 14.12 (96) at Optus Stadium, round 11, 2023.
It was a tough night for the Eagles in round 11, with the home side falling to the Bombers by 50 points. Despite leading the inside 50 metre count 48-46, West Coast struggled to capitalise on scoring opportunities, with decision-making errors and skill execution proving costly. While West Coast’s Oscar Allen (four goals) was the most dominant forward of the game, Essendon delivered consistently inside their forward 50, largely generated from behind the ball through Ashley McGrath, Mason Redman and Dyson Heppell, with Kyle Langford (three goals), Ben Hobbs (two) and Will Snelling (two) doing the damage. Liam Duggan (35 disposals) and Jayden Hunt (34) were stand-outs around the ball for the Eagles.
What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles come into this game on the back of a five-point win over the Kangaroos last weekend, their first win since round two. It was a victory that not only brought relief and joy to the group, but it also reiterated the winning culture of the club to the younger players, and provided some reward for effort in what has been a rough season. West Coast will be looking to draw on that momentum this week when they take on 13th placed Essendon at Marvel Stadium. If they can replicate last week’s strong start in front of goal and slick ball movement around the ground, the Eagles should be in the contest. Essendon fell just two points short to Sydney last week and will be fighting to keep their season alive.
The stat: Since round 17, the Eagles have won the contested possession count by 6.3 per game in general play – ranked No. 1.
The match-up: Jeremy McGovern v Peter Wright
Jeremy McGovern returns to the side following time on the sidelines due to concussion and will have his hands full with Essendon’s Peter Wright. Wright comes into this game on the back of a four-goal haul against Sydney last week and he will be looking to make an impact for his side as they attempt to stay in finals contention.
It’s a big week for: West Coast’s forward line
After a powerful start against North Melbourne last week, the Eagles forwards will need to be on their A-game and get off to another good start this week to apply scoreboard pressure and stay competitive against the Dons.
Big call: After recently finding some fine form, Andrew Gaff will kick multiple goals and finish with 25+ disposals.
