Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Friday, August 30, 7:15pm

TV: Live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy and streaming live on Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 3.6 (24) def. by Richmond 6.7 (43) at Mineral Resources Park, round seven, season seven.

It was a spirited contest the last time these two sides met, the Eagles putting up a good fight but were unable to overcome the Tigers at Mineral Resources Park. A sensational goal from skipper Emma Swanson in the fourth quarter cut the margin to just eight points, before Richmond ran away with it late to secure the 19-point victory. Reigning club champion Charlie Thomas impressed with 23 touches, seven marks and seven rebound 50s, while Swanson worked hard throughout and finished with 19 disposals nine tackles.

What it means for the Eagles: It’s new-look Eagles squad, with AFLW icon Daisy Pearce debuting at the helm, and there has been plenty of positive predictions for this team. After showing some good signs in the pre-season matches against Fremantle and St Kilda, West Coast will want to get off to a good start against the Tigers and put all their hard pre-season work into action. If the Eagles can come out firing and be competitive for four quarters, they will be off to a good start to their 2024 campaign.

The stat: The last time these two teams met, experienced Eagles’ defender Belinda Smith finished with 17 disposals, seven marks and a career-high 424m gained.

Oppo in focus: Monique Conti

2023 league MVP Monique Conti will be one to watch in tonight’s clash with the Tigers. The five-time Richmond best and fairest and five-time All Australian is an explosive and dominant midfielder who ranked first for clearances in 2023 and averaged 28.5 disposals per game.

It’s a big week for: Debutants

The Eagles will see seven fresh faces debut in the blue and gold in round one, with Jess Rentsch, Georgie Cleaver, Sanne Bakker, Tess Lyons and Verity Simmons making their AFLW debuts, while Jess Hosking and Alison Drennan will make their club debuts. This talented group boasts both youth and experience and it will be exciting to see what each player will bring on game day.

Big call: While West Coast will come into this game as the underdogs, this exciting and developing group will get their first win of 2024 in their season-opener.