Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, August 18, 2:40pm
TV: Live on 7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 10.9 (69) defeated by Carlton 21.14 (140) at Marvel Stadium, round 19, 2023.
These two teams last met in round 19 last season, with the Blues securing a 71-point victory at Marvel Stadium. Charlie Curnow dominated, kicking a career-high 10 goals for Carlton after the home side got the jump on West Coast from the opening bounce, with a 57-point margin at the quarter-time break. Veteran wingman Andrew Gaff fought hard all day and finished with 30 disposals and a goal, while defender Alex Witherden managed 30 touches, and Liam Duggan had 27. Despite the scoreboard margin, a number of young Eagles showed promise including Campbell Chesser, Elijah Hewett and Noah Long.
What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles have a chance to record their third-straight victory, the first time doing so since 2021. Carlton have been struck down with injury woes, missing a number of their stars including Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, which opens the door for West Coast to come out firing and get one back against the Blues. The Eagles will also be wanting to send star wingman Andrew Gaff off on a high note and get a win for Jamie Cripps in his 250th AFL game. The team will be riding the momentum from last week’s win, and playing in front of their home fans, immersed in the incredible Optus Stadium atmosphere, they’re in with a fighting chance.
The stat: Jeremy McGovern is averaging a career-high 20.7 disposals this season, tallying more than 20 disposals in eight of his last nine matches.
The match-up: Elliot Yeo v Patrick Cripps
Carlton has lost some firepower in attack but the Blues' midfield remains stacked, led by Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps. The Northampton product will no doubt attempt to put the team on his shoulders and carry them to a finals-shaping victory, but West Coast's own midfield bull Yeo is as competitive as they come and will take some stopping himself. Whichever midfield gun gets on top could decide the outcome on Sunday.
It’s a big week for: Andrew Gaff
Champion wingman Andrew Gaff will play his farewell game on Sunday, after 280 games in the blue and gold. Gaff has been an outstanding servant of the club since being drafted with selection No.4 in the 2010 draft. He was named the 2015 Club Champion, 2016 Player of the Finals, is a dual All-Australian and the all-time leading disposal winner for the club (7167).
Big call: Andrew Gaff will kick multiple goals in his final game in front of his home fans.
Milestone: Jamie Cripps 250th AFL game
