Where and when: Blacktown International Sportspark, Saturday, October 7, 1:05pm (10:05am WST)

TV: Live on 7mate, 7-plus, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL and AFLW Live Official apps.

Last time we met: West Coast 2.4 (16) defeated GWS 1.3 (9) at Sydney Showground, round four, season seven.

It was a physical game for West Coast on the road, but the Eagles held on to secure an impressive seven-point win over the Giants. A strong and committed West Coast squad controlled the game, displaying dominant ball pressure and slick movement around the ground. Strength around the stoppages was led by Sarah Lakay (29 hitouts), Emma Swanson (23 disposals, nine tackles, one goal), Bella Lewis (16 disposals four tackles), and Aisling McCarthy (13 disposals and four tackles).

What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles come into this game riding the momentum wave from their first win of the season, a six-point defeat over Port Adelaide at home on Friday night. West Coast will be looking to continue their winning ways when they face GWS this round, with the Giants currently sitting at the bottom of the AFLW ladder, remaining winless so far in 2023. GWS will be eager to bounce back from last week’s 0.2 (2) to 4.8 (32) defeat to North Melbourne, so the Eagles will need to bring their pressure and intensity and stay hungry around the contest to keep the Giants grounded.

The stat: West Coast skipper Emma Swanson has led the team in kicks in all three Eagles v Giants matchups to date.

Oppo in focus: GWS midfielder Alyce Parker finished with a game-high 34 disposals, 10 tackles and an equal game-high five marks last round, in her team’s 30-point defeat at the hands of the Kangaroos. Despite the Giants only managing to record two points on the scoreboard for the game, Parker was outstanding for her team, displaying her powerful left foot, elite disposals, and strength through congestion.

It’s a big week for: Charlie Thomas

Charlie Thomas will be keen to back up her best game of the season on Friday night, when she finished with a game-high 24 disposals and five marks, and played a pivotal role in nullifying Port Adelaide’s forward line. Thomas was named in the round five AFLW Team of the Week for her efforts, and is making a name for herself as one of most exciting young defenders in the league.

Big call: The Eagles will back up last week’s victory to win their second consecutive game for the first time in the club’s history.