West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is looking forward to playing an ‘away’ game in Bunbury as his developing side searches for a second victory for 2025.

The Eagles have shown clear signs of improvement in recent matches, highlighted by an emotional win over St Kilda and a fighting effort on WA Day eve last round against Geelong.

As part of North Melbourne’s deal to play two ‘home’ games each season in WA, the Eagles now get to enjoy a month without interstate travel, and will play in front of many of the club's passionate fans at a sold out Hands Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Approximately 14,000 fans will pack into the venue for a repeat of the pre-season clash the Eagles won by two points on March 1.

West Coast will travel to Bunbury on Saturday morning before holding open training at 1.30pm as they round out preparations for the historic game - the first premiership season AFL match played in WA outside the Perth metropolitan area.

“It’s awesome we get to spend another game over here in WA. It saves getting on a plane, which is great,” McQualter said.

“Excited to get down to Bunbury and Hands Oval. We’ll go train there Saturday afternoon and then play.

“We’ve got a couple of guys who grew up near there, which is great.

“Our families can go to another game, which is awesome.”

North Melbourne sits above West Coast on the AFL ladder with two wins and a draw, and will be rested after having their bye last round.

The Eagles are hoping gun forwards Liam Ryan (leg soreness) and Jamie Cripps (knee) can prove their fitness for the clash.

Ryan pulled up sore from the Cats defeat, while Cripps is ahead of schedule following a knee operation.

“They’re both a chance, which is great,” McQualter said.

“(Cripps) has healed a bit quicker than expected, which is terrific. He’s still got a few things he’s got to tick off today but hopefully he gets up because he’s important to us.”

Big man Bailey Williams is also pushing to return after being managed last round, when Archer Reid strongly supported Matt Flynn in the ruck.

Roos star Tristan Xerri is ranked fourth in the AFL for hit-outs and will pose a tough challenge, leaving the Eagles’ coaching panel much to ponder against the second-ranked stoppage team.

“He’s one of the premier rucks in the competition, no doubt. He’s been in good form,” McQualter said.

“We’ve got some good plans that we’ve put in place. We’ll train some today and we’ll have more plans for gameday as well.”

McQualter confirmed mid-season draftee Jacob Newton would play for the WAFL Eagles against Perth on Saturday after missing last round with a minor quad complaint.

Fellow recruit Tom McCarthy is expected to be available for senior selection despite missing training on Thursday due to a family commitments in Victoria.

The dashing half-back impressed as he collected 26 disposals and took five marks in his first game in blue and gold against Swan Districts last Saturday.

Meanwhile, champion defender Jeremy McGovern is yet to front the AFL Concussion Panel as he remains sidelined in the concussion protocols.

“It’s a confidential process so we’re not going to go into the detail of it,” McQualter said.

“We’ll have a bit more clarity in a few weeks’ time where that sits.”