Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday, June 27, 1.15pm (11.15am AWST)
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Carlton 12.14 (86) defeated West Coast 7.10 (52) at Optus Stadium, round 14, 2025.
Carlton made the most of a blistering start when the sides met at Optus Stadium last season, piling on seven first-quarter goals on the way to a 34-point victory. Despite trailing by 39-points at the first break, the Eagles responded strongly and won the second half, kicking six of the final eight goals of the game. Mid-season recruit Tom McCarthy starred in a memorable debut with a club-record 31 disposals, while Harley Reid and Bailey Williams were also influential as West Coast fought hard after quarter-time to close the gap.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast returns from the bye refreshed and ready to attack the second half of the season, with Saturday presenting another opportunity to turn encouraging performances into four points. The Eagles headed into the break after a string of competitive displays, including several narrow losses that showed the group is closing the gap on the competition’s best. Standing in their way is an in-form Carlton outfit riding a five-game winning streak, but the Eagles will back themselves to challenge the Blues and snap their run.
The stat: West Coast's last three games before the bye were decided by a combined 17 points, highlighting just how close the Eagles have been to breaking through against quality opposition.
The match-up: Willem Duursma v Jagga Smith
Two of the competition’s most exciting young talents will take centre stage on Saturday. West Coast’s No.1 pick in the 2025 AFL Draft, Willem Duursma, has made a promising start to his AFL career, showcasing the clean skills, aerial prowess and running capacity that made him one of the most highly rated prospects in the country. He'll come up against Carlton midfielder Jagga Smith, the No.3 selection in the 2024 AFL Draft, who has enjoyed a standout campaign and played a key role in the Blues’ five-game winning streak. Both players have quickly demonstrated they belong at AFL level, making this a fascinating battle between two future stars of the competition.
It’s a big week for: Jack Graham
The experienced midfielder is set to make his return after missing the past nine matches with a shoulder injury sustained during the Gather Round clash against Geelong. Graham's toughness around the contest, leadership and defensive pressure have been missed during his time on the sidelines, and his inclusion provides a timely boost for the Eagles heading into the second half of the season. Graham will be eager to make an immediate impact against an in-form Carlton midfield and help West Coast convert its recent encouraging performances into a breakthrough result.
Big call: The return of Jack Graham will prove a game-changer as the Eagles win the clearance battle and snap Carlton’s run of five straight victories.
