Where and when: MCG, Sunday, June 30, 1:10pm (11:10am WST)
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 16.9 (105) defeated Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Optus Stadium, round 10, 2024.
West Coast were on the winning end of a stunning upset the last time these two teams met, the emerging Eagles overcoming Melbourne in a 35-point win at Optus Stadium. Harley Reid impressed with 21 touches, seven clearances, two goals and a couple of epic fend-offs on Dees stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca. Jake Waterman starred with five goals, while Tim Kelly managed 30 disposals. The Eagles got off to a fast start, producing physical, high-pressure football in what was a spirited team performance.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast suffered a disappointing loss against the Hawks last round at Optus Stadium and will have had plenty to review and address at training during the week. The Eagles must produce a more competitive display against the Dees, dial up the supply inside their forward 50 and convert on the scoreboard. We have seen promising signs from this emerging West Coast side this season, and it will be a boost for the group if they can continue to make forward strides in the second half of the season.
The stat: Since round 13, the Eagles have scored from 30.2% of their clearances, the second-highest percentage of any team.
The match-up: Bailey Williams v Max Gawn
In the absence of Matt Flynn (ankle), Bailey Williams will reprise the primary ruck role for the Eagles this weekend and will once again find himself face to face with Melbourne’s captain and six-time All Australian Max Gawn. Williams will be giving up almost 10cm of height to Gawn, but he held his own the last time these two sides met, managing 24 hitouts to Gawn’s 28.
It’s a big week for: Jayden Hunt
Speedy midfielder Jayden Hunt will play his 150th AFL game on Sunday. Hunt is set to notch the milestone against his old side, having played 114 games for Melbourne before joining the blue and gold ahead of the 2023 season. Hunt has impressed since his arrival, adding dash and dare around the ground, and highlighting his experience and poise with ball in hand.
Big call: For the second time this year, West Coast will upset Melbourne, this time getting the win at the MCG.
Milestone: Jayden Hunt - 150th AFL game
