Where and when: Mineral Resources Park, Sunday, 1 March, 3:10pm.
The 2026 AAMI Community Series Match, West Coast Eagles v Port Adelaide on Sunday, March 1 at Mineral Resources Park is now sold out, with no further tickets to be released. Please note, this match is a fully ticketed event with no general admission member scanning available at the gate on match day.
TV: Fox Sports and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Port Adelaide 12.15 (87) defeated West Coast 9.7 (61) at Adelaide Oval, round 18, 2025.
West Coast made a blistering start in their last clash with Port Adelaide, surging to a 33‑point lead on the back of a six‑goal opening term in Jamie Cripps’ 250th game. The Eagles controlled territory early and held an 11‑point advantage at half-time before a tight third quarter saw them edge ahead by six at the final change. But the momentum swung late, with Port booting the last five goals of the match to run over the top and claim a 26‑point win at Adelaide Oval. Harley Reid, Liam Baker and Harry Edwards were among West Coast’s standouts, while Jobe Shanahan continued to impress with his contested work and scoreboard impact.
What it means for the Eagles:
Sunday’s pre-season hit out presents an important final step in the Eagles’ preparation before the real stuff begins. With a young and emerging list eager to build belief, a strong performance against Port Adelaide would inject valuable confidence heading into round one. It’s the last opportunity for Andrew McQualter and his coaching team to test combinations, refine ball movement, and assess which players have earned their place for the season opener. For a developing Eagles group determined to take another step forward in 2026, putting together four solid quarters this weekend is an important foundation for what’s to come.
The stat: Harley Reid was West Coast’s top ball-winner the last time against Port, racking up 27 disposals and adding a goal in a standout performance.
The match-up: Tom McCarthy v Zak Butters
The midfield battle to watch on Sunday will be between rising Eagle Tom McCarthy and Port Adelaide star Zak Butters. Mid-season recruit McCarthy has quickly become a key distributor for West Coast, averaging 23.6 disposals and a team‑leading 15.4 kicks last season, giving the Eagles valuable drive from the contest. Across from him stands Butters, Port’s explosive midfielder who led the Power with 27.9 disposals per game in 2025, making him one of the league’s most damaging ball‑winners. If McCarthy can compete strongly with Butters’ influence, it will go a long way toward helping West Coast match Port in the engine room and set the tone for the afternoon.
It’s a big week for: Elliot Yeo
It’s a big week for Elliot Yeo as he prepares to play his first ‘official’ game since 2024, finally returning after sustaining knee and ankle injuries during training in early 2025. Despite being sidelined for the entire 2025 season, Yeo has worked through a long, demanding rehab to put himself back in the frame. His power around the contest and leadership will be a timely boost for a young Eagles midfield, and his return alone will lift teammates and fans alike as prepares to launch into the new season.
Big call: Elliot Yeo doesn’t just slot back in, he storms back. In his first game since 2024, Yeo tops the Eagles’ disposal count and dominates the contest, reminding everyone why he’s one of West Coast’s most influential midfielders.
