Where and when: Hands Oval, Sunday, June 8, 1:20pm
TV: Live on the Seven Network and 7-plus nationally, and Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: West Coast 15.12 (102) defeated North Melbourne 14.13 (97) at Ninja Stadium, round 22, 2024.
The Eagles produced one of the great comebacks in recent history when they clawed their way to an exhilarating five-point victory against North Melbourne in Hobart. Trailing by as much as 35 points in the third term, West Coast stormed home, kicking the last four goals of the match to claim an epic triumph. Oscar Allen was heroic with a remarkable second half, but the victory was set up by the work of elite defender Jeremy McGovern, who held Nick Larkey to just one goal for the game. Elliot Yeo, who also kicked two important goals in the run to the line, bullocked his way into the contest while Tim Kelly and Ryan Maric were also influential.
What it means for the Eagles: While technically an away game, the Eagles will take the field in familiar territory at Bunbury’s Hands Oval, backed by a proud country WA crowd. It’s a rare chance to connect with their loyal regional supporter base and bring AFL footy to the heartland. Facing North Melbourne in a 17th vs 18th showdown, the stakes are high despite ladder position. A win would mark just the second of the season for the Eagles but, more importantly, it would be a confidence boost for a young group eager to turn effort into results. The Eagles will aim to play with pride, energy, and purpose, giving the Bunbury faithful something to cheer about and showing they’re still building towards a stronger future.
The stat: Matt Flynn has taken 14 contested marks so far this season, only Melbourne’s Max Gawn (27) has more of any ruckman.
The match-up: Sandy Brock v Jack Darling
The intriguing battle this weekend will be between veteran and former Eagles star Jack Darling and emerging Eagles defender Sandy Brock. Facing off against his former club, Darling will be determined to make a statement against his old teammates. Standing in his way is Brock, the 22-year-old key back who continues to grow in confidence with every game. This will be a significant test for the young Eagle, tasked with curbing a seasoned forward who threatened to tear the pre-season clash apart when these teams met at Hands Oval in March. If Brock can hold his ground and restrict Darling’s impact, it will be a major win for both his development and the Eagles’ chances of securing a much-needed victory.
It’s a big week for: Eagles veteran Jamie Cripps has made an incredibly swift recovery from knee surgery last month, suiting up to take on the Kangaroos on Sunday. Cripps has played an incredibly important part in the Eagles lineup this season, his poise and experience in the forward line paving the way for his young teammates.
Big call: The Eagles will secure their first ‘road’ win of the season, defeating North Melbourne by 20-plus points at Hands Oval.
