Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, April 20, 6:10pm

TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo

Last time we met:

West Coast 4.9 (33) def. by Fremantle 20.14 (134) at Optus Stadium, round 22, 2023.

The last time we met, the Dockers dominated, piling on 17 unanswered goals and claiming a 101-point victory at Optus Stadium. Despite kicking the first two goals of the game, the Eagles did not play with the level of intensity that the game demanded and were punished in the contest and on the scoreboard. Inspired by the Glendinning-Allen medallist Lachie Schultz and young ruck star Luke Jackson, the Dockers showed no mercy, controlling stoppages and using the ball with precision. Tim Kelly was West Coast’s best, finishing with 26 touches and a goal.

What it means for the Eagles:

West Coast have an opportunity to break the five-game winning streak held by their cross-town rivals, and a competitive performance will continue to propel the team forward following last week’s confidence-boosting win over Richmond. The home ground advantage will hopefully play a part, with at least 50,000 fans and an electric RAC Derby atmosphere, there’s always the chance of an upset.

The stat:

Since round two, West Coast have won the contested possession count by 7.5 per game – ranked third in the league.

The match-up:

Emerging forward-ruck Bailey Williams will have his hands full with Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson, and there will also be an exciting battle in West Coast’s forward line. Jake Waterman will be wanting to ride the momentum wave from last week’s six-goal haul into this game, but he will be met by experienced All-Australian defender Luke Ryan. Waterman did well to get the better of his opponent last week, taking a career-high 12 marks, and he will be aiming to replicate that this week.

It’s a big week for:

Dom Sheed. After suffering a foot fracture during the pre-season, experienced midfielder Sheed makes his return to AFL football this Saturday night, after spending two weeks playing in the WAFL. The 2018 premiership star will bring some additional experience through West Coast’s midfield, complementing the likes of Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly and Harley Reid.

Big call:

Jamie Cripps has been held goalless in each of his last three derbies but will snap that streak and kick multiple goals on Saturday night.