Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, March 16, 3:10pm

TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)

Last time we met: West Coast 15.7 (97) defeated Gold Coast 13.9 (87) at Optus Stadium, round 22, 2024.

It was an exhilarating contest under Friday night lights, with the West Coast Eagles claiming a 10-point win over the Suns at Optus Stadium. It was West Coast’s first win since round 10 of the 2024 season, with the team producing a high-pressure and high-intensity final term to secure the nail-biting triumph. The Eagles trailed by 17 points at the main break, but kicked nine goals to five in the second half, with Jamie Cripps booting an incredible goal on the run to seal the deal. Jake Waterman starred with four goals, while Tim Kelly managed a game-high 31 touches. Matt Rowell impressed for the Suns, finishing with 30 disposals and a game-high nine tackles, while Ben King, Mac Andrew and Ben Long managed three goals each.

What it means for the Eagles: The new-look Eagles outfit will be on full display on Sunday, after undergoing a number of significant changes both on and off-field since last season. Fresh faces include senior coach Andrew McQualter, assistant coach (forwards) Marco Bello, and Head of Football John Worsfold, along with four new players, incorporating an exciting mix of both youth and experience. Heading into 2025 with a reinvigorated style and feel, a round one victory will be an excellent start for this developing group.

The stat: Tim Kelly is averaging 25.8 disposals, 12.2 contested possessions and 6.5 clearances in his last four games against the Suns.

The match-up: Matt Flynn v Jarrod Witts

The battle of the bigs will be one to keep an eye on in round one, with Eagles ruck Matt Flynn facing off with the Suns’ co-captain Jarrod Witts. There has been plenty of speculation regarding West Coast’s ruck order, with Flynn proving himself over the pre-season and sitting in the primary role for round one. Standing at 202cm, Flynn will be relying on his agility and leap against the 209cm Witts, who comes into 2025 following an interrupted 2024 season, hampered by a hamstring and back injury.

It’s a big week for: Andrew McQualter

In his first game at the blue and gold helm, senior coach McQualter will be watching on as his team’s pre-season work hopefully comes to fruition on the big stage. McQualter has introduced a new game plan, with the intention of creating a territory team, who are quick to create turnovers and play front-half football. With glimpses of this new game style on show in West Coast’s pre-season hitouts, this will be the first official test for ‘Mini’ and his team.

Big call: Debutant Archer Reid will kick his first goal in his first AFL game on Sunday.

Milestones: Archer Reid AFL debut, Jack Graham club debut, Liam Baker club debut, Matt Owies club debut