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 18^th 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.

NORTH Melbourne has delivered a stunning blow to West Coast's premiership hopes, with the cellar-dwellers putting in a determined performance to record their third win of the year.

The Eagles slumped to their third loss in as many weeks, with the Kangaroos’ hunger evident as they scrapped for every possession in the 10.10(70) to 8.12(60) win.

The wet and woolly conditions meant inaccuracy ruled early, with West Coast having more of the footy but kicking 3.10 in the first half.

A dominant third quarter proved the difference for North Melbourne, with the Kangaroos finally getting scoreboard reward after toiling away.

The Eagles sent a shockwave through North Melbourne’s camp after the final change, coming out of the blocks hard and booting four goals in quick succession to wrestle the lead back.

It didn’t take North Melbourne long to bite back, booting three goals in a flurry to wrestle momentum – and the lead – back.

A toe-poke goal from West Coast’s Liam Ryan pared the margin back to just four points, before Todd Goldstein – not content with merely breaking the all-time hitouts record – booted his second goal of the game to put the final nail in West Coast's coffin.

EAGLES v ROOS Full match coverage and stats

North Melbourne’s Jaidyn Stephenson ran amuck in the wet conditions, racking up 38 touches and a crucial goal.

He was ably supported by skipper Jack Ziebell (27 disposals) and Jy Simpkin (32 disposals).

For West Coast, Nic Natanui won the ruck battle against Goldstein, recording 36 hitouts and 11 clearances, while Josh Kennedy, Liam Ryan and Oscar Allen booted two goals apiece.

More to come.