Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, May 16, 2.40pm
TV: Live on 7, Fox Footy and Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 10.7 (67) d. Adelaide 5.4 (34) round six, 2020 at the Gabba
The pre-game focus was on Nic Naitanui’s battle with Reilly O’Brien after the Crows big man’s faux pas when he accidentally posted his game notes to social media, and the Eagles star hit back with an early goal to help set the tone for West Coast’s second win on the trot. Tim Kelly and Dom Sheed were both influential with 24 touches apiece as the Eagles headed home from their first hub stint with the season back on an even ledger at 3-3.
What it means for the Eagles: Notching consecutive wins for the first time this season was a step in the right direction and West Coast will be determined to build on that momentum with four games left before the bye. Getting back to footy will also be welcomed after an eventful week off the field.
The stat: West Coast has beaten the Crows in five of the past six meetings. The sole defeat was by 10 points at Adelaide Oval during the Eagles’ 2018 premiership year.
The match-up: Nic Naitanui v Reilly O’Brien
It’s impossible to look past the ruck giants’ first meeting since last year’s showdown and there is sure to be plenty of attention from fans, media and the coaches alike on this battle given the injury-hit midfields for both sides. If Naitanui can get on top and give first use to Kelly, Sheed, Jack Redden, Andrew Gaff and co. it will go a long way towards a blue and gold triumph.
It’s a big week for: Bailey Williams
In his four games, the athletic tall has shown many of the attributes that have excited the Eagles and three shots on goal after strong marks at the MCG against Hawthorn last week (for 1.2) proved he can be a dangerous foil in attack when not backing up Naitanui in the ruck. On Sunday, the 21-year-old will play his first match at Optus Stadium in front of a 50,000-strong crowd with the opportunity to stamp himself as the No.2 behind West Coast’s talisman.
Big call: Brendon Ah Chee to repeat his four-goal heroics in front of the blue and gold army.
