Where and when: Adelaide Oval, Sunday, July 18, 4.10pm ACST (2.40pm AWST)

TV: Live on Ch7 in Perth, Fox Footy and Kayo

Last time we met: West Coast 16.10 (106) def. Adelaide 11.10 (76), round nine, 2021 at Optus Stadium

It was one of those days for Jack Darling – or more specifically one of those quarters – as the star forward produced a stunning five-goal second term to steer West Coast out of trouble. The hard-running Crows threatened the taller Eagles whenever the ball hit the deck, but Darling’s explosion was too much for the visiting team to handle. West Coast’s potent three-pronged key forward line combined for 11 majors – with Josh Kennedy and Oscar Allen slotting three apiece – while star ruck Nic Naitanui was a dominant force yet again and had the better of his grudge match with Reilly O’Brien.

Form: (most recent first)

Adelaide LLLWL

West Coast LLLWW

What it means for the Eagles: West Coast is still in the eight and the fight for finals is well and truly alive. There were signs of improvement even in the upset loss to North Melbourne and with an injection of youth and energy - highlighted by the debut of mid-season rookie draftee Connor West - the Eagles will hope to start building some positive momentum for the run home.

The stat: This will be the first trip to Adelaide Oval in two years for the Eagles, and the first AFL match at the venue for four of the selected 22 - Josh Rotham, Harry Edwards, Luke Edwards and Connor West.   

The match-up: Jeremy McGovern v Taylor Walker

Last time the teams met Walker was rested from the trip west but the former Crows skipper will be back from a neck injury on Sunday and shapes as the danger man for West Coast to stop. Walker has enjoyed a career renaissance in 2021, and only trails Coleman Medal leader Harry McKay (48 goals) by seven majors despite playing two fewer matches. With full-back Tom Barrass (hamstring) out of action, the Eagles will likely turn to a combination of Jeremy McGovern and Harry Edwards to thwart ‘Tex’.

It’s a big week for: Nic Naitanui

It can’t be overstated how impressive Naitanui has been during the past two seasons following reconstructions on both knees, and the reigning club champion would be the warm favourite to clinch back-to-back John Worsfold Medals. At 31, the Eagles’ talisman has found a level of consistency and smarts in his craft which means he relies less than ever on his natural physical gifts and there are few, if any, more impactful players in the competition than Naitanui in full flight. To reach the 200-game milestone is no small feat for one of West Coast’s most iconic players who has endured plenty of adversity along the way. 

Big call: West Coast to burst out of the blocks and kick five goals in the opening term for the first time since round four against St Kilda (six).