Where and when: Metricon Stadium. Sunday, September 6 (4.10pm AWST)
TV: Live on 7mate, Fox Footy, Kayo and the official AFL app.
What it means for the Eagles: A win against the Bulldogs would all but secure West Coast’s place in this year’s finals series. It would also keep the Eagles in the top four hunt, especially considering Richmond (2nd) and Geelong (3rd) are set to play each other in round 17.
The stat: Andrew Gaff has been prolific in West Coast versus Western Bulldogs clashes over the past four years. The dual all-Australian has been the leading ball winner in five of the clubs’ last six encounters dating back to the teams’ 2017 Elimination Final contest. He averaged 35 touches across those six games and his best haul occurred in Round 15, 2017 when he racked up 42 disposals against the Dogs at Marvel Stadium.
The match-up: Tom Barrass v Aaron Naughton
Barrass, one of West Coast’s twin defensive towers, has been magnificent this year and showed his class against Essendon last week by keeping Bombers’ goliath Joe Daniher goalless at the Gabba. The 24-year-old Eagle dominated the skies on Tuesday night, reeling in six marks and effecting nine spoils. On Sunday he’ll be tasked with keeping the leash on burgeoning Bulldog Aaron Naughton, who is coming off a two-goal haul against a stingy Geelong back six. Their clash will be engaging and decisive. If Barrass comes out on top, it is likely West Coast will too.
It’s a big week for: Josh Kennedy
Kennedy will want to make up for lost time after missing the majority of the West Coast’s clash with Richmond and last week’s win over Essendon due to a head knock. Having been starved of goals while sidelined, the Eagles’ all-time leading goal-kicker will be eager to dine out against the Dogs. And if the midfield group finds a way to regularly fire the Sherrin into West Coast’s attacking arc, he just might.
Big call: Liam Ryan bags three goals and all but secures the 2020 AFL Mark of the Year title with a jaw-dropping hanger.
