Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Sunday, May 10, 1.10pm (11.10am AWST)

TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)

Last time we met: Melbourne 21.13 (139) defeated West Coast 8.8 (56) at Marvel Stadium, Round 21, 2025.

Melbourne produced a dominant second-half performance when we last met at Marvel Stadium, breaking a relatively tight contest open with a 10-goal third quarter on the way to an 83-point win. The Eagles showed patches of promise early, with Ryan Maric and Reuben Ginbey among the contributors, but were ultimately overrun as the Demons’ experienced midfield, led by Max Gawn and Jack Viney, took control and powered their side to a commanding victory.

What it means for the Eagles:

Following a heavy loss to St Kilda and a close defeat to Richmond last round, this presents an opportunity for the group to continue building and showing improvement in key areas. The Demons are in red-hot form and a formidable opponent, presenting another opportunity for Andrew McQualter’s emerging group to test themselves against a quality team on the road.

The stat: Melbourne’s midfield strength was on full display the last time we met, winning clearances 40-30 and contested possessions 145-103.

The match-up: Harley Reid v Kysaiah Pickett

An exciting midfield battle looms as Harley Reid goes head-to-head with Melbourne playmaker Kysaiah Pickett, both capable of turning the game in an instant. Reid’s power and explosiveness around the contest will be central to West Coast’s ability to generate territory, while Pickett’s speed, creativity and ability to impact the scoreboard make him a constant threat for the Demons.

It’s a big week for: Bailey Williams

It’s a big week for the Eagles’ ruckman, who faces one of the competition’s premier big men in Melbourne captain Max Gawn. Williams will be eager to make an impact after a tough outing the last time the sides met, when Gawn’s presence around the contest proved influential. With Gawn’s ability to compete in the air and provide a strong contest at stoppages, Williams will be relying on his spring-heeled leap, follow-up work at ground level and ability to get dangerous inside 50 to have an impact.

Big call: Harley Reid will dominate at the centre, top the disposal count with 30+ and go one better than last week with three goals.