Where and when:Â ENGIE Stadium Sunday, August 16, 4.45pm (2.45pm AWST)
Last time we met: West Coast 11.9 (75) defeated Greater Western Sydney 5.3 (33), round seven, 2025.
The Eagles overcame illness that struck the group and a disrupted preparation to record a commanding 42-point win over GWS at Mineral Resources Park last season. West Coast led at every change on the way to the victory, with Ella Roberts starring through the midfield finishing with 23 disposals, six clearances and a goal, while Amy Franklin booted three majors. The Eagles finished strongly with six of the final seven goals to snap a two-game losing streak and return to the top eight.
What is means for the Eagles: After a breakthrough 2025 campaign that delivered the Club's maiden AFLW finals appearance, the Eagles will be eager to start the new season strongly and continue building on the foundations they've established. With a talented young list and growing belief under Daisy Pearce, Sunday's clash is an opportunity to set the tone for the year ahead. A strong performance against GWS would provide early momentum and reinforce West Coast's ambition to take the next step after its best AFLW season yet.
The stat: The Giants had no answer for Ella Roberts last time around, with the Eagles star collecting 23 disposals, six clearances and a major.
Oppo in focus: Alyce Parker remains the heartbeat of the Giants' midfield and one of the competition's premier contested ball winners. A two-time All Australian and four-time club champion, Parker combines strength around stoppages with elite ball-winning ability and relentless competitiveness. After missing most of the 2025 season through injury, the star midfielder is back leading from the front and will be a key figure in GWS's engine room. If Parker gets her hands on the football and starts driving the Giants forward, she can have a major influence on the contest.
It’s a big week for: Mia Russo and Jovie Skewes-Clinton
After impressing throughout their first pre-season in blue and gold, Mia Russo and Jovie Skewes-Clinton are set to realise their AFLW dreams on Sunday. Selected in the 2025 AFLW Draft, the exciting young duo have earned their opportunities through strong performances on the track and will pull on an AFLW jumper for the first time. Russo's toughness and ball-winning ability around the contest, combined with Skewes-Clinton's versatility and forward craft, add another layer of excitement to an Eagles side looking to build on last year's breakthrough season.
Big call:Â The Eagles' two AFLW debutants Mia Russo and Jovie Skewes-Clinton make an immediate impact, combining for 35+ disposals.
