Where and when: The Gabba. Thursday, September 10 (5.10pm AWST)

TV: Live on 7mate, Fox Footy, Kayo and the official AFL app.

What it means for the Eagles: Plenty. A top four spot and double chance in finals is still on the table, but first and foremost West Coast needs to secure a post-season berth. The Eagles can guarantee that with victory, and would leapfrog Richmond ahead of the Tigers’ blockbuster clash with second-placed Geelong on Friday night.

The stat: The Eagles have dominated the Saints in recent years, with 10 wins from the past 11 clashes stretching back to 2012. A 103-point belting at Subiaco in 2016 was the biggest margin, but St Kilda has improved markedly since then with West Coast’s three wins coming by just 19, 13 and 18 points and the Saints’ only win an eight-point thriller at Marvel Stadium in 2017. Expect another tight tussle on neutral territory at the Gabba.

The match-up: Nic Naitanui/Oscar Allen v Rowan Marshall/Paddy Ryder

Tom Hickey and Allen battled hard while All Australian contender Naitanui was rested against the Dogs, but the superstar big man will be welcomed back for the crucial battle against St Kilda’s two-pronged ruck partnership. Marshall spent time forward last round against Hawthorn while Max King was rested. His combination with Ryder will challenge the Eagles duo. Naitanui’s impact in particular will have a significant bearing with West Coast’s engine room missing three first-choice players in Luke Shuey (hamstrings), Elliot Yeo (groin) and Jack Redden (thumb) at ground level. The Eagles have struggled to get the ball inside 50 recently – with just 27 against the Dogs – and need more out of the midfield.

03:16

Hamish's dream becomes reality

Take a seat in the team meetings where Hamish Brayshaw learnt his AFL dream would come true!

It’s a big week for: Hamish Brayshaw

A prolific ball-winner at WAFL level, the 22-year-old has had to bide his time and will finally make his debut in the blue and gold on Thursday night. Brayshaw was drafted via pick No.68 in 2017, delisted last November and then re-selected as a rookie, and the strong-bodied onballer has had to fight tooth and nail for a game given West Coast’s midfield strength. He will join brothers Angus (Melbourne) and Andrew (Fremantle) in the big time, and fans can expect nothing less than a whole-hearted effort from ‘Hammer’.

Big call: Liam Duggan to build on his impressive showing after a midfield shift last outing and gather 25 disposals and kick a goal in his 100th match.