Where and when: Windy Hill, Sunday, October 22, 5:05pm (2:05pm WST)
TV: Live on 7plus, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL and AFLW Live Official apps.
Last time we met: West Coast 4.8 (32) def. by Essendon 13.6 (84) at Mineral Resources Park, round three, season seven.
If was a rough day out for the blue and gold the last time these two sides met, West Coast suffering a 52-point defeat at home. The Eagles got off to a slow start, entering the main break trailing by seven goals, setting themselves a tough task in the second half. There were some positive signs from the home side in the third and final term, but Essendon were too good, and asserted their dominance on the scoreboard. Captain Emma Swanson led the way for the Eagles, finishing with 25 disposals, six marks and three tackles. Young Ella Roberts stood tall, managing 17 disposals and four marks, while Aimee Schmidt played an important role, finishing with two goals and six marks.
What it means for the Eagles: After suffering a 70-point defeat to the reigning Premiers Narrm last round, the Eagles will be looking to bounce back and deliver a more competitive performance against the Bombers this week. West Coast got a win over the Dons in the pre-season scratch match, but Essendon have gone on to have an impressive 2023 season and currently sit in fifth spot on the AFLW ladder. The Bombers come into this game on the back of a 17-point win over Richmond last round and will be desperate for another win to propel them into the top four.
The stat: West Coast (65.3) currently holds a higher tackling average for the season than Essendon (62.9).
Oppo in focus: Three-time All Australian Madison Prespakis will be one to keep an eye on this week, the talented midfielder coming into this matchup on the back of an impressive game last weekend against Richmond, finishing with 24 disposals, seven tackles and one goal. The Essendon star has averaged 27 disposals and five tackles a game so far this season and will be sitting at the top of West Coast’s radar.
It’s a big week for: Sophie McDonald
Sophie McDonald will have the tough task of matching up with Essendon’s star forward Bonnie Toogood on Sunday afternoon. Toogood currently leads the league in marks and has kicked 12 goals for the season, currently sitting inside the top 10 on the goalkicking leaderboard.
Big call: West Coast will upset the fifth-placed Bombers and secure their first road win of the season.
