Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, April 27, 4:45pm (2:45pm WST)
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: West Coast 4.9 (33) defeated by Hawthorn 14.10 (94) at Optus Stadium, round 17, 2024.
In a disappointing day at Optus Stadium, the Hawks dismantled West Coast in a clinical display to take the 61-point victory. The visitors never looked troubled after kicking the opening three goals, playing the game in their front half and asserting themselves through the middle. Co-captain Liam Duggan tried hard, managing a team-high 28 disposals, while Jeremy McGovern produced at both ends, finishing with 20 touches and a goal.
What it means for the Eagles: After an energetic display last week against Essendon, West Coast will be looking to build on that form this week against the Hawks. The developing Eagles produced a significantly more polished performance but couldn’t find the match-winning score in the dying seconds. While they didn’t secure the win, the squad will have been able to take some confidence out of the game, seeing glimpses of their hard work paying off. Another well-rounded performance from the Eagles this week could not only push the Hawks all the way, but they could also find themselves on the winners list.
The stat: Matt Owies has applied 51 pressure acts in the forward 50 this season, the most of any player in the competition.
The match-up: Jake Waterman v Tom Barrass
Former teammates will be reunited this week with Jake Waterman the likely match-up for 2018 Premiership Eagle Tom Barrass. While Barrass is no longer suiting up in the blue and gold, it’s no doubt an interesting turn of events, with friends becoming enemies as the ball is bounced and the game commences. Waterman started strongly last week with four goals in the opening term and will be looking to continue his form in front of goals this week, while getting the better of his buddy Barrass.
It’s a big week for: Matt Flynn
Rucks come face to face with some of the most imposing figures in the comp, and this week will be no exception for Matt Flynn when he battles it out with Hawthorn’s Lloyd Meek. Averaging 34.7 hitouts a game, Meek is currently sitting sixth in the League, and is coming off a round-high 47 hitouts against Geelong last week. Flynn, who has found himself in and out of the senior side so far this season, will have his work cut out for him and will need to bring his A-game to limit Meeks’ impact.
Big call: The West Coast Eagles will secure their first win of 2025 and defeat the Hawks by under 10 points.
