Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, May 3, 5:35pm

TV: Delayed on 7 and 7plus in WA (7pm), live on Fox Sports and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)

Last time we met: West Coast 8.10 (58) defeated by Melbourne 17.10 (112) at the MCG, round 18, 2024.

West Coast last faced the Dees in round 18 last season, falling at the MCG by 54 points. Melbourne came out firing from the opening bounce, blowing the Eagles out of the water early to take a 39-point lead into the quarter-time break. While the Eagles produced some good moments, they were on the backfoot as they struggled to get a hold on the game. A few of the positives for West Coast were the performance of co-captain Oscar Allen who finished with four goals, Jake Waterman kicking a couple of majors and Jeremy McGovern giving a trademark performance in defence.

What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles are chasing their maiden victory for 2025, showing positive signs on a number of occasions in the first seven rounds, but unable to get over the line. Senior coach Andrew McQualter has been vocal and honest about the team’s need for improvement, with the young squad focusing on growth and development as they acclimate to a new game style. A win on Saturday would do a world of good for the team’s confidence and would be a just reward for the hard work they have been putting in on and off the field. In a game of milestones, co-captain Oscar Allen plays his 100th Eagles game, Tim Kelly notches 150 AFL games and youngster Bo Allan will make his highly-anticipated debut.

The stat: West Coast had 30 intercept possessions in their attacking midfield last round, their most in a game since 2018.

The match-up: Matt Flynn v Max Gawn

All eyes will be on the ruck battle this week, with Eagles big man Matt Flynn coming face-to-face with Melbourne’s Max Gawn. The Demons skipper is one of the most imposing figures in the League and claimed his seventh All Australian blazer at the end of last season. Gawn is coming into this game following an outstanding performance against Richmond last week, finishing with a game-high 34 hitouts, 25 disposals, nine marks, and four tackles. It will take Flynn’s best to keep Gawn quiet, hopefully nullifying his impact on the game.

19:04

Coast to Coast - Oscar Allen

With his 100th game approaching this Saturday against the Demons, co-captain Oscar Allen joins his old sparring partner for a late week podcast to celebrate the milestone

It’s a big week for: Auzzie the Eagle

West Coast’s majestic mascot Auzzie the wedge-tailed Eagle will take off for her 200th pre-game flight on Saturday. Auzzie debuted for the club in 2007, relocating from Alice Springs to start her mascot career at Subiaco Oval. Auzzie has become an important ambassador for her species, providing awareness and education through her club involvement and her home at the Western Australian Birds of Prey Centre. Eagles supporters will have the opportunity to get their photo taken with Auzzie at half-time in the Fan Zone, located on Level 1 at Optus Stadium.

Big call: Defender-turned-midfielder Brady Hough will kick his first AFL goal on Saturday, having never kicked a major in his previous 60 games.

Milestones: Oscar Allen 100 games (club), Tim Kelly 150 games (AFL), Bo Allan debut, Auzzie the Eagle 200 flights