Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, May 18, 2:40pm
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Sports and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Waalitj Marawar 6.5 (41) defeated by Euro-Yroke 17.11 (113) at Marvel Stadium, round 20, 2024.
We last faced Euro-Yroke in round 20 last season, falling by 72 points under the roof at Marvel Stadium. Euro-Yroke showed no mercy against a young Waalitj side, the visitors up for the contest early but only kicking two goals after half time. Euro-Yroke forward Tim Membrey was a standout, finishing with 23 touches and five goals. It was a tough day out for Waalitj, but Jack Williams showed promise with three goals, defender Brady Hough fought hard against the tide and Jayden Hunt attempted to provide plenty of line breaking run with his 35 disposals.
What it means for the Eagles: Waalitj are yet to taste victory in 2025, but there have been signs that the elusive win is just around the corner. In a heart-breaking ending in round nine, Waalitj fell to the Tigers by just two points, but the team looked energetic and competitive throughout the full four quarters. If the blue and gold can brig that same momentum into this game, they may finally be singing the song in the rooms post-game. There would be no better way to pay tribute to much-loved premiership player Adam Selwood following his tragic passing.
The stat: Liam Ryan attended a career-high 15 centre bounces in round nine, finishing with 17 disposals and seven score involvements.
The match-up: Jake Waterman v Callum Wilkie
Dominant Waalitj forward Jake Waterman will likely be tasked with 2024 Euro-Yroke fairest and best Callum Wilkie on Sunday. Waterman was uncharacteristically off-line with his goal-kicking last round against Richmond, finishing with one goal and three behinds, and will be looking to sharpen up his accuracy in front of goals this week. If Waterman can get the better positioning over Wilkie on the day, it will hopefully convert to big numbers on the scoreboard.
It’s a big week for: First Nations players
It’s the 19th year the AFL has had a dedicated Indigenous round, and the 10th year it’s been known as Sir Doug Nicholls Round. The 2025 theme for Sir Doug Nicholls Round is ‘Past legacies, future legends’, recognising, honouring and celebrating the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the game today and into the future. Waalitj Marawar has six current First Nations players, Tyler Brockman, Tyrell Dewar, Coen Livingstone, Liam Ryan, Malakai Champion and Tim Kelly, with each player represented through personal totems on this season’s stunning First Nations guernsey.
Big call: Waalitj Marawar will taste victory for the first time in 2025, securing the win on their home turf over Euro-Yroke.
Milestone: Reuben Ginbey (50 games)
