Where and when: Optus Stadium. Sunday, July 26 (1.35pm AWST)
TV: Live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo and the official AFL app
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast have built up a head of steam following a run of three straight wins, but Sunday’s clash with Collingwood is the ultimate litmus test. If the Eagles can topple the third-placed Pies, they will confirm themselves as the real deal for season 2020.
The stat: Former skipper Shannon Hurn will become the second most capped Eagle of all time when the first ball is bounced at Optus Stadium this weekend. Upon playing his 277th game in blue and gold, the 2018 premiership leader will leapfrog champion backman Glen Jakovich on the all-time games leaderboard. West Coast legend Dean Cox is still the clubhouse leader with 290 games to his name.
The match-up: Tim Kelly v Adam Treloar
They probably won’t match up on each other, but it will be intriguing to watch two of the competition's best ball winners go at it on Sunday afternoon. Kelly, who will finally play his first official game in front of an Eagles home crowd, appears to have settled in to West Coast's system and has been finding plenty of the footy in recent weeks, having amassed 19, 24 and 18 disposals in the club’s past three outings respectively. Treloar has been on a tear this year and is leading the competition in average disposals, inside 50s, contested possessions and stoppage clearances. If Kelly can win more ball than Treloar, it will help West Coast’s chances of downing the Pies in this blockbuster clash.
It’s a big week for: Jack Darling
The reigning West Coast Eagles leading goalkicker has been building into season 2020 and has booted two goals in each of the team’s wins. But he’ll face a stern test against the stingiest defence in the land this weekend. Collingwood’s back six has conceded just 25 goals this year, thanks in large part to the good work of Darcy Moore, who often goes to Darling. It will be an enthralling battle, but we’re backing the dynamic Eagle to rise to the challenge and have a day out.
Big call: Returning captain Luke Shuey catches fire, amassing 25-plus disposals and a goal to boot.
