Where and when: Optus Stadium, Friday, August 2, 6:30pm
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Sports and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 12.3 (75) defeated by Gold Coast 17.10 (112) at People First Stadium, round seven, 2024.
These two teams last met in round seven earlier this season, with the Suns securing a 37-point victory at People First Stadium. Gold Coast controlled the game for most of the day, especially around the stoppages, winning both the clearances and centre clearances convincingly, and consistently pumping the ball forward. Down by 34 points at three-quarter time, the Eagles made a late surge and edged within three goals with five minutes to play in the final term, before two late goals from the Suns ensured their victory. Jake Waterman kicked four majors for West Coast, while Jeremy McGovern, Liam Duggan and Brady Hough were crucial down back.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast will be looking to finally get reward for effort after some of the competitive performances the team has produced over the past month. The Eagles have lost their past nine games, the club’s equal second-longest losing streak, an unfortunate record the players will be keen to put an end to. There has been a number of team changes this week, including young Peel Thunder local Clay Hall making his highly-anticipated debut, and it will be exciting to see what he will bring to the side. Star defender Jeremy McGovern also returns to the team and will be a welcome inclusion after missing the past two games due to a rib and lung injury.
The stat: Jake Waterman booted a game-high four goals against the Suns in round seven, also finishing with 15 disposals and seven marks.
The match-up: Harley Reid v Noah Anderson
Two young up-and-coming midfielders of the competition will be going head-to-head this weekend and should be an entertaining matchup. Reid comes into this game on the back of a feisty RAC Derby performance, finishing with 29 disposals and 10 clearances, while Anderson managed 23 touches and four marks against the Lions.
It’s a big week for: Clay Hall
Second-generation Eagle Clay Hall will make his AFL debut against Gold Coast in front of the blue and gold faithful at Optus Stadium on Friday night. After an interrupted start to his AFL journey with an ankle injury, Hall has impressed for the Eagles’ WAFL side this season, producing best-on-ground performances on a number of occasions. The 19-year-old is averaging 19 disposals at WAFL level and has been recently trialled in a role on the wing.
Big call: Elite defender Brady Hough, who made his debut against the Suns in 2022, will kick his first goal of his career in his 50th AFL game on Friday night.
Milestone: Brady Hough 50 games
