Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Friday, September 29, 7:15pm
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus, Fox Footy, Kayo, the AFL and AFLW Live Official apps.
Last time we met: West Coast 6.4 (40) defeated Port Adelaide 4.4 (28) at Mineral Resources Park, round one, 2022.
West Coast opened season seven with a bang against Port, defeating the visitors by 12 points at Mineral Resources Park in round one. Port, one of the four new clubs granted entry to the competition that season, led by 12 points at three-quarter time, but some final-term momentum and four goals from the Eagles saw West Coast complete an incredible comeback and secure the four points. Midfield ace Aisling McCarthy led the way for the Eagles, finishing with 18 disposals and eight tackles, while Emma Swanson (21 disposals, four marks) and Bella Lewis (16 disposals, six tackles) also played a pivotal role in the win.
What it means for the Eagles: With the half-way point approaching for the season, the Eagles will be desperate to get a win on the board against Port this weekend. They have shown promise in multiple games this season, but the consistency with pressure and intensity has been lacking from week to week. West Coast will need to produce a full, four-quarter effort on Friday night to lock away their first victory of 2023.
The stat: Emma Swanson currently leads the West Coast Eagles in all-time kicks (458), handballs (261), disposals (719), contested possessions (359), and tackles (179).
Oppo in focus: Three-time AFLW premiership star Erin Phillips will be one to watch this round, the highly experienced midfielder leading Port in her second season with the club. Phillips is known for her accuracy and goal sense and continues to have a damaging impact around the ground. She comes into this game following a 15-disposal game against Geelong last round, Port falling by 28 points at home.
It’s a big week for: Emma Swanson
West Coast skipper Emma Swanson will play her 50th AFLW game on Friday night. Swanson has consistently performed at a high-class level over her career to date and has had an outstanding season in what has been a tough start to 2023 for West Coast. Swanson’s contributions around the ground and guiding leadership will go a long way against Port Adelaide for her young Eagles side.
Big call: Claremont product Ella Smith will kick a goal in her first game of the season after making her way back into the starting 21 for Friday night’s game.
