Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, May 4, 6:10pm
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 11.6 (72) defeated by Essendon 10.13 (73) at Marvel Stadium, round 21, 2023.
The last time we met, the West Coast Eagles were within seconds of pulling off a stunning comeback victory at Marvel Stadium. The Eagles were brave in defeat, overcoming a 30-point margin in the third term, a goal from young forward Ryan Maric giving the boys in the blue and gold a five-point lead with 80 seconds left on the clock. But unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, with Essendon’s Kyle Langford kicking his fifth goal for the game in the dying seconds, securing the four points for the Dons. Jeremy McGovern, Jayden Hunt, Tom Cole and Alex Witherden, in his 100th game, were outstanding in defence. Oscar Allen was a constant threat in attack, along with Jack Darling and Maric, and the energy of youngsters Elijah Hewett, Noah Long, Luke Edwards, Brady Hough and Campbell Chesser was important.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast has won its past two games at home, and despite last round’s result against the Suns, will be coming into this game with the confidence of the home ground advantage behind them, and the Eagles faithful ready to roar. Star midfielder Harley Reid will be a welcome inclusion back into the side, having been rested last week, while young recruit Harvey Johnston will make his AFL debut, the athletic mid bringing agility and evasiveness around the ground.
The stat: Jack Petruccelle attended a career-high 76% of centre bounces last round, finishing with 14 disposals, six inside 50s and a team-high 10 tackles.
The match-up: Jake Waterman v Ben McKay
In the forward line, Jake Waterman will likely come face to face with big Bomber Ben McKay. Jake has been in outstanding form, having already kicked a career-high 21 goals from just seven games so far in 2024, and he will want to keep that form rolling. Down back, elite Eagles defender Tom Barrass will have his hands full with Essendon key forward Peter Wright, who played his first game back last weekend following a lengthy suspension and will be raring to put some numbers on the scoreboard for the Dons.
It’s a big week for: Jack Darling
Goalkicking great Darling will be honoured with AFL Life Membership after he reaches 300 official matches this weekend. Darling is set to play his 285th premiership match, in addition to 15 pre-season appearances in blue and gold, on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.
Big call: Jake Waterman is averaging 3.6 goals across his last five games, ranked number one in the league, and after his four-goal haul against the Suns last week, he will kick another four this week and take top spot on the 2024 Coleman Medal leaderboard.
Milestone: Midfield bull Elliot Yeo will play his 200th AFL game on Saturday night.
