Where and when: MCG, Sunday, May 9, 1.10pm local (11.10am AWST)

TV: Live on 7, Fox Footy and Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 12.9 (81) d. Hawthorn 7.7 (49) round 12, 2020 at Optus Stadium

A fast start saw the Eagles establish a 22-0 lead at quarter-time and they were never threatened thereafter, despite the Hawks hanging in the contest throughout. West Coast’s seventh-straight victory lifted the team back into the top four and was owed largely to the work of twin towers Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass, who between them hauled in 17 marks – including six contested – with 19 intercepts.

What it means for the Eagles: So far the season has gone WLWLWLW and the Eagles know they need to start producing more consistent football to string some wins together. Beating Hawthorn at the home of football is never easy – a six-point victory in 2019 ended West Coast’s five-game losing run to the Hawks at the ‘G – but a first road win for the season would be a significant boost as the ladder begins to take shape.

The stat: The Eagles’ two wins over Hawthorn from eight meetings at the MCG have been narrow margins of six (round 15, 2019 when Jamie Cripps, pictured below, snapped the match-winner) and 10 points (round 14, 2006).

The match-up: Tom Mitchell v Tim Kelly

Two of the ball magnets from round seven will hold keys to victory for their respective sides in the critical midfield battle. Mitchell racked up a game-high 38 disposals plus five clearances in Hawthorn’s loss to St Kilda, while Kelly was outstanding with a career-best 42 possessions and 13 clearances as he claimed the Glendinning-Allan Medal in the RAC Derby.

It’s a big week for: Harry Edwards

You never forget your first game and the emerging Eagle won’t forget his first trip to play at the home of football either.

Big call: Dom Sheed to lead all comers with the game-high disposal tally.