Where and when: Adelaide Oval, Sunday, May 26, 4:10pm (2:40pm WST)

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

Last time we met: Waalitj Marawar 12.6 (78) defeated by Kuwarna 17.21 (123) at Optus Stadium, round 24, 2023.

Waalitj Marawar last met Kuwarna in the final game of the 2023 season, in what was an emotional occasion farewelling premiership captain Shannon Hurn, Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey and game-changing ruckman Nic Naitanui in front of over 47,000 fans at Optus Stadium. While the game got away from Waalitj Marawar in the final term, with Kuwarna kicking the final eight goals of the game, it was still a worthy performance from the home side. In true fashion, Hurn finished with an impressive 22 disposals and seven rebound 50s, while Shuey managed 25 touches and six inside 50s. Oscar Allen and Jack Darling combined for seven goals, and Tim Kelly finished with 35 disposals.

What it means for the Eagles: Waalitj Marawar comes into this game bolstered with momentum from their huge upset win over Narrm (Melbourne) last weekend. The team has been playing a good brand of football and showing some very encouraging signs with the direction they’re headed. The confidence is high, and another competitive performance this week on the road against Kuwarna will see Waalitj continue with their upward trajectory.

The stat: Waalitj Marawar have taken 31.7% of their kick-ins into their forward 50 this season, the second-highest percentage of any team.

The match-up: Tom Barrass v Taylor Walker

Key Kuwarna forward Taylor Walker has enjoyed his recent run-ins with Waalitj Marawar, kicking a staggering 19 goals in their past two matchups. Tom Barrass will be looking to rain on Walker’s parade this week, and will likely share time between manning Walker and Darcy Fogarty with Jeremy McGovern.

It’s a big week for: The whole team. Waalitj Marawar are yet to win a game on the road so far this season and with the form they’re in, complemented by the excitement factor of young guns such as Reuben Ginbey, Harley Reid and Brady Hough, it’s a realistic opportunity for the boys in blue and gold to get one back at Adelaide Oval.  

Big call: Exciting Waalitj Marawar forward Liam Ryan will kick three goals and take one huge hanger against Kuwarna.