Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, May 31, 5.20pm
TV: Live nationally on Seven Network (7mate in WA), 7plus, Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Essendon 11.11 (77) defeated West Coast 11.9 (75) at Optus Stadium, Round 6, 2025.
West Coast took it up to Essendon the last time the sides met at Optus Stadium, leading for much of the night and building a game-high 28-point advantage early. The Eagles were driven by a strong performance from Jake Waterman (four goals) with Liam Baker and Jack Williams also impressive. But a five-goal-to-two third term from the Bombers shifted momentum, and despite a late surge, including Jack Williams’ third goal inside the final minute, Essendon secured a crucial centre clearance in the dying moments to hold on for a narrow two-point victory.
What it means for the Eagles: Back at Optus Stadium for WA Day round, the Eagles will take the field in a specially designed black and gold guernsey, representing the broader WA community. With pride in the State front of mind, a victory in front of West Coast fans would build on encouraging recent performances against the Giants and Magpies, in particular.
The stat: The past two meetings between West Coast and Essendon at Optus Stadium have been decided by a combined eight points.
The match-up: Reuben Ginbey v Nate Caddy
Ginbey’s brilliant season has seen him tackle the opposition’s most dangerous forward week-in, week-out and it will be no different this Sunday when he stands Essendon tyro Caddy. The athletic Bombers forward has been in good form, kicking 12 goals and taking 27 marks in his past five games. Ginbey has the traits and nous to quell Caddy’s impact and that battle will be decisive in the outcome.
It’s a big week for: Willem Duursma
A fascinating family subplot adds extra intrigue to Sunday’s clash, with Duursma set to come up against elder brother Xavier – after facing off against his other brother Zane in the round two win over North Melbourne. The Eagles’ No.1 pick in the 2025 AFL Draft, Duursma brings versatility, aerial strength and clean ball use, traits that made him the club’s top draft choice, while Xavier Duursma provides Essendon with the running power and experience of an established AFL winger. If the brothers do find themselves side by side, there’ll be plenty of banter to go with a fiercely contested battle.
Big call: The Eagles convert recent close finishes into a commanding result, producing their most complete performance of the season in a 30-point win.
