It’s been fairly gloomy at Optus Stadium for much of the afternoon, and there’s an ominous looking cloud sprawling above the playing arena now.
But the forecast assures us that rain won’t be an issue.
Eagles players are on the surface now, and it’s a surface that has certainly seen better days. There’s a few sandy spots even away from the troublesome north-west pocket, and the centre circle has been freshly relaid for this match.
Reuben Ginbey is one of those in blue-and-gold that’s out on the turf, but of course only watching on rather than warming up. He’s still hopeful of a return for the final game or two of West Coast’s season.