Where and when: Engie Stadium, Sunday, April 6, 2:10pm (11:10am 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 5.13 (43) defeated by Greater Western Sydney 16.12 (108) at Optus Stadium, round three, 2024.

It was a tough day at the office for the Eagles, falling to the Giants by 65 points at Optus Stadium. West Coast competed throughout the day but were outclassed by the visitors. There were some bright sparks from youngsters such as Reuben Ginbey and Harley Reid, along with Brady Hough who was matched up with Giants’ gun Toby Greene. The Eagles took the game up to GWS in the first term with midfield trio Elliot Yeo, Reid and Tim Kelly setting the tone, but skill execution going forward was an ongoing issue.

What it means for the Eagles: West Coast will be looking to show their competitive side when they face the Giants this round, and secure the four points for the first time this season. There have been plenty of positive signs form the developing Eagles in the first three rounds, but senior coach Andrew McQualters’ new game plan is still yet to completely take off. With four changes to the team this week, including three debutants, we can expect to see an injection of energy around the ground that will hopefully help to lift the group.  

The stat: 25 per cent of West Coast’s goals have come from beyond 50 metres out – the highest percent of any team.

The match-up: Brady Hough and Toby Greene

Eyes will be on the Brady Hough and Toby Greene matchup for this game, both players elite at their crafts. While Hough has played just 56 games compared to Greene’s 242, the 22-year-old Eagle has taken a number of impressive scalps in his budding career, and continues to develop from week to week. Three-time All Australian Greene has been a damaging pillar of the GWS forward line since arriving at the club, and Hough will be doing what he can to keep him quiet.

It’s a big week for: Debutants

There will be three fresh faces in the blue and gold on Sunday, with Tom Gross, Sandy Brock and Hamish Davis all making their debut against the Giants. The trio have been impressive throughout the summer and have delivered standout performances for the WAFL Eagles in the past month. Brock will take his place in the back line in the absence of Jeremy McGovern, Gross will add some speed and versatility through the middle, while Davis will utilise his power and endurance on the wing.

Big call: Tom Gross will finish with 20-plus touches and a goal in his first game at AFL level.   

Milestones: Tim Kelly (100 WCE games), Tom Gross (debut), Sandy Brock (debut) Hamish Davis (debut)