Where and when: Mission Whitten Oval, Thursday, September 12, 7:15pm (5:15pm WST)

TV: Live on 7Mate and Fox Footy, and streaming live on Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 5.6 (36) def. by Bulldogs 6.8 (44) at Mineral Resources Park, round nine, 2023.

In what was a tough-fought matchup, a late surge from the Eagles wasn’t enough to get them over the line against the Bulldogs. While it was a disappointing eight-point loss for the home side, they showed spirit and grit to formulate a comeback from 25 points down. Skipper Emma Swanson was relentless for West Coast, fishing with 28 disposals and seven tackles, and young star Ella Roberts managed 27 touches and six clearances.

What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles had a chance to secure back-to-back wins last week against the Bombers, but a slow start to the game was costly. While they fought their way back in the contest after a goalless opening term, West Coast will be looking to get off to a much better start against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are yet to win a game but are not to be underestimated. While they haven’t been able to have a significant scoreboard impact so far this season, their stats around the ground show that they will be up for a fight, with the added bonus of the home-turf advantage.

The stat: The Eagles are currently averaging 40 marks a game compared the Bulldogs’ 25.

Oppo in focus: Ellie Blackburn

Western Bulldogs star Ellie Blackburn will be one to watch in Thursday night’s matchup. The three-time All-Australian and five-time club champion is an elite midfielder who has poise and breakaway pace from the contest. Blackburn impressed in a losing side last weekend, finishing with a game-high 26 disposals, seven tackles and a game-high eight clearances.

It’s a big week for: Octavia Di Donato

New recruit Octavia Di Donato will make her AFLW debut in the blue and gold on Thursday night in her home state of Victoria. Di Donato has leadership and maturity beyond her years, the 20-year-old defender most recently co-captaining Carlton in the VFLW. Di Donato is renowned for her work ethic and ‘never give up’ attitude, her versatility, clean hands and high football IQ, and she will be ecstatic that she can kick off her AFLW career in front of her family and friends.

Big call: In her third game in the blue and gold, Jess Hosking will kick three (or more) goals against the Bulldogs.