Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, June 23, 1:00pm (11:00am WST)
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 11.5 (71) defeated by Essendon 11.11 (77) at Optus Stadium, round nine, 2024.
West Coast’s fighting comeback bid fell heartbreakingly short, falling to the Bombers by just six points. The Eagles managed to cut the margin to just a one-goal difference with two minutes remaining in the game, but they were unable to kick the final goal to claim the win. Emerging Eagles forward Jack Williams had his best game for the club with three goals, while Tim Kelly (29 disposals) was crucial in the second half, and Jake Waterman (three goals) continued his dominant forward line form.
What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their last disappointing loss to a previously winless North Melbourne at Optus Stadium. West Coast finished with more scoring shots than the Roos but had trouble converting in front of goal. With the inclusion of co-captain and star forward Oscar Allen, the Eagles will look to rectify their scoreboard woes, and it will be interesting to see the forward line dynamic between Allen, Jack Darling and Jake Waterman, who continues in his career-best form.
The stat: Jamie Cripps has had 20 score assists this season, ranked No.1 at the club and equal 13th in the league.
The match-up: Zach Merrett v Reuben Ginbey
Essendon skipper Merrett has been in outstanding form in 2024, averaging 28.7 disposals (AFL No.11), and torched West Coast with 29 touches and three goals in the round nine cliffhanger at Optus Stadium. Tagging is back in vogue in the AFL and whether the Eagles decide to send a player for a shutdown job, or have the likes of defensively-minded onballer Ginbey keep an eye on Merrett remains to be seen, but they will need to quell his influence to cause a boilover at Marvel.
It’s a big week for: Oscar Allen
Allen’s return from a long-term knee injury will bolster the Eagles’ forward line and will hopefully provide some additional scoreboard pressure against the Dons. Being sidelined since round one, Allen has been raring to re-join his teammates, and will be a very handy inclusion for the second half of the season.
Big call: Jake Waterman will reach 115 career goals by kicking three on Sunday against the Bombers.
