Where and when: Gabba, Sunday, March 23, 12:10pm (10:10am WST)
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: West Coast 14.9 (93) defeated by Brisbane Lions 16.10 (106) at Optus Stadium, round 19, 2024.
It was a spirited showing from West Coast, pushing Brisbane all the way to the end in a high-pressure contest. The Eagles started with a good intensity and took the game on with run and handball, kicking the opening goal, and looking like the better team for most of the first term. Both teams maintained pressure, but Brisbane’s clearance dominance broke through in the remaining three quarters. West Coast’s senior midfielders produced strong performances, with Tim Kelly managing 29 touches and seven inside 50s, and Elliot Yeo (24 and six clearances) following suit.
Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale was a standout for the Lions, managing 13 clearances, 34 touches and two goals, Hugh McCluggage (32 touches and seven inside 50s) and Josh Dunkley (26 and a goal) also impressed.
What it means for the Eagles: After suffering a disappointing 87-point loss to Gold Coast in round one, The Eagles will be looking to produce a much more competitive performance against the Lions on Sunday. The off-season saw a number of significant changes for the Eagles’ club as a whole, including a new head coach and a new game plan, and a significant number of new players. Learning a new system will take some time, but as long as the Eagles’ show competitiveness and intensity around the contest, they will be moving in the right direction.
The stat: Jack Graham had 75 pressure points on his Eagles debut last week, ranked fourth in the AFL.
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Lachie Neale
After a relatively quiet game against the Suns last weekend, Tim Kelly (14 disposals, six tackles) will be looking to get back to his best this weekend at the Gabba. He will have his work cut out for him, likely matched up on dual Brownlow medallist and premiership Lion Lachie Neale. Neale also had an uncharacteristically quiet game last week, finishing with just 10 touches, and will no doubt be gearing up for a strong bounce-back.
It’s a big week for: West Coast’s midfield
Gold Coast produced an incredibly dominant midfield performance against the Eagles last weekend, leaving the blue and gold on the back foot for the entirety of the game. The Eagles lost the contested ball by 43, struggling to get their hands on the footy both in the ruck and at ground level. The Eagles mids will have had plenty to work on throughout the week, and will be looking to produce a more balanced performance against the reigning premiers on Sunday.
Big call: After kicking one goal last weekend in his first game in the blue and gold, Matt Owies will kick two goals this week in his second game for the Eagles.
