Where and When: Blacktown International Sportspark. Sunday, February 23 (10:10am AWST)
TV: Live on Channel 7 Perth, 7HD Perth, Fox Footy and the official AFLW app
Radio: ABC Radio
What it means for West Coast: A chance to claim a memorable interstate victory and keep in striking range of the conference leaders.
The stat: The Eagles won the clearance count during Saturday’s RAC derby 26-19. Parris Laurie (27 hitouts) had a great day in the ruck and Dana Hooker, Emma Swanson and Niamh Kelly all won plenty of contested football. The onballers’ play has solidified the midfield group as the clear strength of this Eagles outfit.
The matchups:
Parris Laurie v Jessica Allan
Previously better known for her skills around the ground than as a tap ruck, Laurie has proven her aptitude for both early in the season. Laurie collected 27 hitouts against the 20 Fremantle had as a team, which helped West Coast win the clearance battle. Allan took over main ruck duties against North Melbourne and played well but will face a stiffer test against the talented Eagle.
Dana Hooker v Alicia Eva
After facing off against Brianna Davey and Kiara Bowers in back-to-back weeks, Hooker will once again go head-to-head with one of the competition's elite midfielders. Eva, a 2018 All Australian, has been on fire at the start the season, but Hooker - who will play her 25th AFLW game on Sunday - is a dual All Australian and two-time AFLW best and fairest runner-up for good reason.
It’s a big week for: Tarnee Tester
While it’s only Tester’s first year in the AFLW the talented goal sneak has a demonstrated ability to hit the scoreboard, finishing 2019 as the WAFLW’s leading goalkicker. She kicked her first AFLW goal last week against Fremantle and anyone who watched her at Subiaco knows she’s more than capable of converting slim chances.
Big call: The Eagles have five individual goal kickers and light up the scoreboard at Blacktown International Sportspark.