Where and when: Heritage Bank Stadium, Saturday, September 9, 11:05am (9.05am WST)
TV: Live on 7Mate, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: West Coast 2.2 (14) def. by Gold Coast 7.5 (47) at Heritage Bank Stadium, round two, 2022.
Gold Coast started hot against the Eagles, kicking three first-half goals and cementing a strong lead for the entirety of the game. West Coast’s first goal came in the final term off the boot of Kate Bartlett, followed quickly by another major from Aisling McCarthy, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap, Gold Coast finishing with a 33-point win on their home turf. Eagles leaders Emma Swanson (17 disposals, 10 tackles), McCarthy (12 disposals, one goal) and Dana Hooker (17 disposals, eight tackles) were busy throughout the contest, while youngsters Bella Lewis (15 disposals) and Charlie Thomas (13) worked hard on a tough day out for West Coast.
What it means for the Eagles: Despite falling to Fremantle by just eight points in the round one RAC Derby, the Eagles took a lot of positives out of the game. They will be looking to replicate their intensity and pressure around the ground this weekend against the Suns and get their first win of 2023 on the road.
The stat: The Eagles have played the Suns four times, with Gold Coast holding a 3-1 head-to-head advantage.
Oppo in focus: In a strong game against Carlton last week, Charlie Rowbottom dominated the final term and finished with a game-high 20 contested possessions, 12 tackles, nine clearances and a goal in a stand-out performance. The former number one pick is a powerful midfielder who can cause damage inside 50. The Eagles will be looking to keep Rowbottom quiet and limit her involvement around the ball.
It’s a big week for: Dana Hooker
Experienced Eagles leader Dana Hooker will play her 50th AFLW game this weekend. After eight seasons in the league, Hooker has had a substantial impact on a young and developing West Coast side and will want to continue to lead by example in her milestone game.
Big call: After making her league debut last weekend against Fremantle, teenage forward-ruck Lauren Wakfer will kick her first AFLW goal on Saturday against the Suns.
