Where and when: SCG, Sunday, June 6, 3.20pm (1.20pm AWST)

TV: Live on 7, Fox Footy and Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 11.6 (72) d. Carlton 7.8 (50) round 11, 2020 at Optus Stadium

A five-goal burst in the space of 15 minutes in the third quarter propelled West Coast towards a hard-fought victory after Carlton had led by as much as 19 during the second term. Star ruckman Nic Naitanui dominated with 41 hit-outs and seven clearances, while Dom Sheed’s (two goals) ability to get forward was again decisive as the loping left-footer stood tall with 26 touches, nine clearances and 524m gained in the Eagles’ fifth-straight win, lifting the team back into the top four. 

00:29

Dom Sheed lights up the final term

Dom Sheed is known for big moments in 4th quarters, today was no different

Form: (most recent first)

Carlton LWLLW

West Coast LLWWW

What it means for the Eagles: One of the club’s greatest wins under Adam Simpson came with an undermanned outfit against St Kilda last season and it will take a similarly spirited performance from a youthful line-up to get back on the winners’ list on Sunday. The Eagles are missing at least six of their best 18 and if a youthful team can pull off a backs-to-the-wall victory it might signal a turning point in a rollercoaster season.

The stat: West Coast has won its past six games against the Blues by an average of nearly 25 points.

Tom Barrass marks in front of Harry McKay in 2019

The match-up: Harry McKay v Tom Barrass

Carlton’s hulking forward leads the Coleman Medal with 38 majors in what has been a breakout year and, without twin tower Jeremy McGovern in the side to provide support, Barrass will need plenty of help from his teammates further up the field to keep the 204cm and 105kg behemoth in check. The Eagles’ full-back will be giving away eight centimetres and nine kilograms to McKay but has the nous and aerial ability to go toe-to-toe with the big Blue.

It’s a big week for: Nic Naitanui

In his 195th career game, the West Coast talisman will captain the club for the first time on Sunday in the absence of skipper Luke Shuey, vice-captain Jeremy McGovern and fellow deputy-vice captain Josh Kennedy. Plenty has rested on the reigning John Worsfold medallist’s shoulders already in 2021, and he would once again be right in the thick of the club champion leaderboard after 11 games, but there is no doubt the 31-year-old will be priming himself for another big performance with so many senior players on the sidelines.

Big call: Luke Edwards’ father and dual premiership player Tyson had 15 touches on debut in round 11, 1995 for Adelaide and we’re backing the Eagles debutant to best his famous dad’s mark in his first AFL game.