Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Saturday, September 7, 11:05am
TV: Live on 7Mate and Fox Sports, and streaming live on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 3.5 (23) defeated Essendon 2.7 (19) at Windy Hill, round eight, 2023.
It was an upset for the ages, the Eagles securing a thrilling four-point victory over the Dons at Windy Hill the last time these two sides met. West Coast hit the scoreboard with two early goals in windy conditions, which held them in good stead for the remainder of the match. The visitors were strong in the contest and applied plenty of pressure, even when second to the ball. Eagles skipper Emma Swanson starred with 25 touches, 12 tackles and eight clearances, while young gun Ella Roberts impressed with 16 disposals and three marks.
What it means for the Eagles: The West Coast Eagles have never won more than two games in an AFLW season since joining the league in 2020. The Eagles are in a good position to start the season with consecutive victories when they take on the Bombers on Saturday. The energy, belief and momentum from their nail-biting week one win will no doubt carry forward to this weekend, and with the Dons suffering a 43-point loss to Fremantle last week, West Coast would be liking their chances.
The stat: The last time these two teams met, skipper Emma Swanson finished with 25 disposals, (16 contested) and a career-high 12 tackles.
Oppo in focus: Georgia Nanscawen
Former Hockeyroo Georgia Nanscawen is an elite athlete and a damaging midfielder. She’s an integral part of Essendon’s engine room, and managed an equal game-high 25 touches, 10 tackle and 11 clearances in the Bombers’ loss to Fremantle last weekend.
It’s a big week for: Jayme Harken
Local talent Jayme Harken will make her AFLW debut on Saturday against the Bombers, the Claremont Tigers product set to make an immediate impact in the blue and gold. The back-to-back Dhara Kerr medallist has been a consistent star in WAFLW for the Claremont Tigers and is more than ready to roll at the elite level.
Big call: Dominant ruck Sarah Lakay will kick the first goal of her career in her first game of the 2024 season.
