Where and when: Victoria University Whitten Oval (Wurundjeri/Boon Wurrung), Sunday, January 16, 9.40am (AWST)
TV: Fox Footy and the AFLW website
Last time we met: West Coast (5.4) 34 def. Gold Coast Suns (4.9) 33 at Mineral Resources Park, round five, 2021.
There was no tougher start for the West Coast Eagles than facing three future finalists - including eventual premiers Brisbane – in the first four rounds of the 2021 season. But, after one month without a win, the Eagles finally found some reward for effort, holding on to a narrow one-point victory against Gold Coast at Mineral Resources Park. Skipper Emma Swanson led the charge with a season-high 24 disposals, while pocket rocket Mikayla Bowen also earned herself a rising star nod with 21 disposals, seven marks and a goal.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast are looking to rebound after an RAC Derby loss to Fremantle, and a round two victory against Gold Coast will be just the cure. It’s set to be a battle of the mids with the Suns currently sitting fifth in the league for ground ball gets and contested possessions, meaning West Coast’s midfield contingent (Swanson, Bowen, Bella Lewis, Aisling McCarthy and Charlie Thomas) will have to challenge the Suns in the centre this Sunday.
The stat: While it was the Eagles that clung onto a one-point victory in round five last season, they must nullify Gold Coast's attacking forwards in the coming match after being beaten in inside 50 entries (20 to 34) and marks inside 50 (four to nine) in round five of the 2021 season.
The match-up: Aimee Schmidt v Lauren Ahrens
Schmidt will be looking to take it up to Ahrens this weekend, as two of the most experienced players battle it out in West Coast’s offensive 50. All-Australian Ahrens creates opportunities for the Suns’ defence through intercept marking and disciplined one-on-one contests, but will have her work cut out against pacey forward Schmidt, who boasts a high leaping mark and impressive goal sense.
It's a big week for: Belinda Smith
Smith has had a terrific summer and her efforts were recognised in round one against Fremantle, where she had nine intercepts, as well as five contested possessions and six rebound 50s. While it was a tough night defensively in the RAC Derby, Smith’s work as a small defender helped curtail some dangerous forwards, and she’ll play an important role against Gold Coast.
Big call: Bowen to rack up 20+ disposals and kick a goal in a best afield display.
