Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday, July 20, 1:45pm (11:45am WST)
TV: Delayed on 7 in WA (3:00pm), live on Fox Sports and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 10.8 (68) defeated by St Kilda 12.10 (82) at Optus Stadium, round 13, 2024.
West Coast was outworked in the final term to fall to St Kilda by 14 points the last time these two sides met. It was an arm-wrestle at Optus Stadium, and while the Eagles were leading the game by 11 points early in the final quarter, they were unable to sustain their effort and the Saints finished strongly to take the victory. Elliot Yeo (27 disposals, eight clearances), Liam Duggan (25) and Jeremy McGovern (21) were pivotal, while Tom Barrass stood tall in defence for the Eagles. Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan both finished with three goals each.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast come into this game following a spirited performance against the Brisbane Lions last weekend at Optus Stadium. Though they didn’t secure the win, the Eagles played with a competitive passion and drive, after farewelling premiership coach Adam Simpson in what was an emotional week. If the team can replicate the same fighting spirit this weekend against the Saints, they will be in with a real chance to secure their fourth win of the season, and first win under interim coach Jarrad Schofield.
The stat: Zane Trew had a tackle efficiency of 100% last round against Brisbane, finishing with 21 disposals, nine contested possessions, two score assists and a team-high eight tackles.
The match-up: Bailey Williams v Rowan Marshall
Bailey Williams will once again take on the primary ruck duties in Matt Flynn’s absence (ankle), and will come face-to-face with one of the premier ruckmen in the competition in Rowan Marshall. Marshall is averaging 19.9 disposals and 14.9 kicks per game, elite levels for a big man. Williams has been producing some impressive performances in his role, never shying away from a contest and frequently pulling down a strong pack mark.
It’s a big week for: Jai Culley
Culley returns to the senior team for his second AFL game this season, coming off a 21-disposal, two-goal game in the WAFL Eagles’ win over West Perth last weekend. The 21-year-old midfielder has been a consistent performer at WAFL level and has been knocking on the door for senior selection for a number of weeks. Culley will no doubt want to take this opportunity with both hands and bring his A-game against the Saints.
Big call: The last time these two teams met at Marvel Stadium was round four, 2021, and the Eagles fell by 20 points. This time around, the visitors will be victorious, winning by at least 20 points.
