Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, June 8, 2:35pm
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 10.12 (72) defeated by North Melbourne 10.7 (67) at Optus Stadium, round 20, 2023.
The last time these two teams met, the Eagles ended a 16-game drought to get a five-point win at Optus Stadium. Following a nightmare period for West Coast, the team delivered a circuit breaker, rewarding themselves and the loyal fans and members who showed up to support the boys. The Kangaroos mounted a final-quarter fightback from 32 points down, but the Eagles were able to hold on and secure the four points. West Coast were outstanding early, delivering six unanswered goals built off confident ball movement and hard tackling. Tim Kelly and Dom Sheed took charge in the middle with 26 touches each, while Jamie Cripps finished with a game-high 11 tackles and two goals.
What it means for the Eagles: With the mid-season bye looming, the Eagles will want to head on their break with a fourth win and some momentum for the back half of the season. The 1994 premiership team will also be celebrating the 30th anniversary of their triumph over Geelong on Saturday, and the Eagles are determined to put on a strong showing at home in front of the blue and gold army.
The stat: West Coast’s thrilling five-point win over North Melbourne at Optus Stadium in round 20 last season snapped a three-game losing streak to the Kangaroos.
The match-up: There will be some exciting matchups to keep an eye out for, starting with North’s Luke Davies-Uniacke and Eagle Elliot Yeo battling it out in the midfield. Davies-Uniacke has been excellent in what has been a challenging season for North, averaging an elite 28 disposals per game. Yeo started the campaign in career-best form, and is currently averaging an outstanding 7.6 clearances per game.
It’s a big week for: Jack Hutchinson. Just 11 days after being drafted by West Coast, the mid-season rookie recruit will suit up for his dream AFL debut. Hutchinson starred with five goals for the WAFL Eagles in a nailbiting win over Perth in Northam last Sunday and his parents will be in the stands watching on as a whirlwind week culminates in his first game at the elite level.
Big call: Jai Culley to pick up some of the slack in Tim Kelly (hip) and Harley Reid’s (suspension) absence, racking up a career-best 20+ disposals and kicking a goal on return from his ruptured ACL at the MCG against Richmond 400 days ago.
