Where and when: Optus Stadium, Monday, August 9, 6.10pm

TV: Live nationally on 7mate, Fox Footy and Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 12.6 (78) def. Melbourne 7.9 (51) at Optus Stadium, round one, 2020

There was an eerie atmosphere about the Eagles’ last clash with the Demons way back in round one, 2020. It was, of course, the last match before the AFL season went into shutdown as the encroaching COVID-19 pandemic took hold. After finding out before the bounce the game would be the last before the season was postponed, West Coast handled the dramatic news well and jumped the Demons with the opening five goals and held on for a comfortable victory. Nic Naitanui starred in the ruck against Max Gawn, while Andrew Gaff was prolific with 30 touches in shortened game time.

Form: (most recent first)

West Coast LWWLL

Melbourne WLDWL

What it means for the Eagles: A chance to consolidate a top eight spot coming off a hugely disappointing loss to Collingwood. Make no mistake, flag fancy Melbourne will pose a massive challenge and will be chock full of confidence coming off a 98-point belting of Gold Coast. Monday night’s game is about putting in a performance that - win, lose or draw - leaves nothing in the tank.

The stat: This will be the fifth time in six games the two teams have met at Optus Stadium – with the other match in Alice Springs. A lot has happened since the last encounter 506 days ago, while it has been an astonishing 2690 days since the Eagles travelled to Melbourne’s home ground the MCG for a 93-point win in round two, 2014.

The match-up: Nic Naitanui v Max Gawn

They are arguably the leading contenders for an All Australian ruck berth this year after excellent seasons and plenty hinges on the battle between the West Coast superstar and Melbourne skipper. Naitanui took the honours last time the teams met and has claimed No.1 status in the AFL Player Ratings – a position once held by Gawn for 43 weeks – after a stellar past two seasons. The big men could nullify each other in the hit-out battle, but Naitanui is likely to have an edge around clearances (averaging 7.1 to Gawn’s 4 this season) while the big Dee is known for being an aerial threat in attack (15 marks inside 50 to two this year). Gawn will play more minutes, but can Naitanui’s impact in roughly 70 per cent game time be enough to help will the Eagles to victory?

It’s a big week for: Alex Witherden

Back in the team for the first time since the round 16 loss to Sydney, the damaging half-back returns with three excellent WAFL performances under his belt and will be keen to cement his position ahead of a possible finals series. Witherden had 40 touches in the win over Perth last Saturday, and provided damaging rebound with seven inside 50s. At his best, the ex-Lion gives West Coast another attacking option in the back half and can help the team’s ball movement.

Big call: Classy midfielder Tim Kelly to get dangerous forward and kick an equal career-best three goals.