Check out who to keep an eye on, a stat that matters and what it means for the West Coast Eagles in their round six match against Melbourne
By westcoasteagles.com.au
Where and when: Casey Fields, Sunday, September 21, 1.05pm (11.05am AWST)
Last time we met: Melbourne 11.16 (35) defeated West Coast 2.0 (12), round seven, 2023.
The Demons proved too strong the last time the Eagles faced off in 2023, with the visitors running out 70-point winners in scorching conditions at Mineral Resources Park. After a promising start, West Coast tightened up defensively in the second quarter and hit the scoreboard through Courtney Rowley, but the Demons broke the game open after half-time. Charlie Thomas was a standout with a game-high 28 disposals and eight marks, while Ella Roberts continued her strong form with 26 touches.
What it means for the Eagles: A victory over Melbourne would carry extra significance for the Eagles, with coach Daisy Pearce set to take on her former club and long-time mentor Mick Stinear for the first time. Beyond the personal milestone, it would be an important response after last week’s tough RAC Derby defeat, giving the group a chance to quickly rebound and restore confidence. Knocking off one of the competition’s most established sides would be a statement of intent for West Coast and a valuable boost in belief as the team continues to grow under Pearce’s leadership.
The stat: Charlie Thomas was the leading ball-winner the last time the Eagles faced Melbourne, collecting a game-high 28 disposals and eight marks despite the team’s defeat.
Oppo in focus: Kate Hore
Kate is one of the competition’s premier forwards, a crafty goalkicker and playmaker who has also proven herself as a damaging midfielder. The Melbourne skipper leads from the front with her work rate, creativity and scoreboard impact, consistently finding ways to spark her side. A four-time All Australian and AFLW Best and Fairest across four seasons, Hore’s ability to both finish opportunities and set them up for teammates makes her a constant threat.
It’s a big week for: Annabel Johnson
Annabel is set to make her long-awaited club debut in the blue and gold. After missing the 2024 season with a knee injury and undergoing a minor procedure following the pre-season hit-out against Fremantle, the defender has worked her way back to full fitness. Recruited in the 2023 trade period, Johnson will finally get her chance to pull on the Eagles jumper, with her composure and defensive strength a welcome addition to the backline.
Big call: Annabel Johnson marks her club debut with a standout performance in defence, racking up 15+ disposals and leading the Eagles’ intercept game against Melbourne’s potent forward line.