Where and When: Leederville Oval. Saturday, February 29 (4:10pm AWST)
FREE ENTRY
TV: Live on Channel 7 Perth, Fox Footy and the official AFLW app
Radio: ABC Radio
What it means for West Coast:
The Eagles return to the home front for another chance to claim their first win before a crowd decked out in blue and gold.
The stat: Of the Eagle’s 171 disposals on Sunday, 59 were collected by Dana Hooker, Emma Swanson and Imahra Cameron. Cameron, taken with pick No.19 in last year’s draft, has complemented the established stars with aplomb and the trio have been among the Eagles’ best in every game played so far.
The match-up: Belinda Smith v Gabby Newton
Settling into her role as a half-back flanker, Belinda Smith has been an integral part of a young Eagles’ backline outperforming the football cognoscenti’s pre-season expectations. Newton, the first pick in last year’s draft, has proven deserving of the top selection, averaging more than 12 disposals playing off the half-forward flank. Newton has yet to hit the scoreboard this season and Smith will aim to make the talented first year player wait another week while showcasing her own skills.
It’s a big week for: Mikayla Bowen
Bowen had her best game for the season on Sunday, accumulating 14 disposals and dribbling through a fourth-quarter snap to claim her first goal in the AFLW. Bowen has been improving week-by-week and the young midfielder’s appetite for the contest is a joy to watch. If Bowen’s progression proceeds apace, she could help take the Eagles’ midfield to another next level.
Big call:
West Coast’s backline holds the Bulldogs’ attack to less than 20 points.