Where and when: Optus Stadium, Monday, July 12, 5.40pm
TV: Live on Ch7 in Perth, Fox Footy and Kayo
Last time we met: North Melbourne 4.10 (34) def. by West Coast 7.7 (49), round 18, 2020 at Metricon Stadium
There was nothing pretty about it but West Coast endured in a slog, overcoming the early loss of spearhead Josh Kennedy to an ankle injury and securing four valuable premiership points to complete their second hub stint. Oscar Allen kicked three goals – including consecutive majors in the final term – to put the result beyond doubt after scores were level at three-quarter time. The Eagles ended the night sitting in third spot on the ladder but tumbled back down to fifth and into an elimination final after eventual Grand Finalists Geelong and Richmond both won in the last round.
Form: (most recent first)
West Coast LLWWL
North Melbourne LWLDL
What it means for the Eagles: You’d have to have been living under a rock not to know it has been a challenging few weeks for the men in blue and gold, and they will surely be grateful to get back onto the field to redeem themselves on Monday night. The old cliché in football is one week at a time, and that has rarely been more apt as the fight for finals spots intensifies. It all starts with bringing effort and workrate first and foremost, and that will be the focus. One thing is for certain, the Kangaroos will be no easybeats, with their recent form against some high-quality opposition proving they are much, much better than their 18th ladder position indicates.
The stat: West Coast has won five of the past six meetings, stretching back to the 2015 preliminary final, with the only loss to the Roos coming in Hobart by 40 points in the ’18 premiership year.
The match-up: Elliot Yeo v Ben Cunnington
In a team that lost by 29 points to the ladder-leading Western Bulldogs, Cunnington still earned top votes from the coaches and the rugged Roo’s standing inside the top 20 of the AFL Coaches Association award tells you plenty about how well he has played in a rebuilding side. For West Coast to get on top in the pivotal midfield battle it will mean keeping Cunnington – the No.2 contested ball and No.3 clearance winner in the AFL – under control, and there is no better man for the job than fiercely-competitive Eagles star Yeo.
It’s a big week for: Liam Ryan
Returning from a one-game suspension in NAIDOC Week, it’s safe to assume the high-flying Eagle is gearing up for a big performance to help the side get back on the winners’ list.
Big call: Jack Darling has been playing his role without hitting the scoreboard as much as the first half of the season but it’s only a matter of time until the star Eagle gets his lick of the ice cream. Back him in for at least three goals in what could be a wet weather game.
