Can the Eagles make it back-to-back wins at home when they face Melbourne this weekend?
The West Coast Eagles come into this game off an awesome (and slightly unexpected) 13-point win over Geelong last week. Even though the game was on West Coast’s home turf, the Cats went into the game as firm favourites however, the Eagles had other ideas about their fait and brought Geelong back down to earth. The Eagles recorded their seventh win of the season and jumped back into the top eight on the AFL ladder.
The Eagles v Cats clash last week was a fiery one, the MRP had some work to do in the days following the game. Luke Shuey was involved in a head-high clash with Patrick Dangerfield but was cleared of suspension and is free to play this week. Some other great Shuey news- the 27 year old has just signed a four-year contract extension, indicating that he will remain a one-club player. Good on ya Luke!
Power forward Josh Kennedy is still managing his calf (word on the street suggests that it could actually be an Achilles injury after all) and is highly unlikely to play against the Demons this week. Without him, West Coast will need to bring the same intensity and pressure to Domain as they did against the Cats, to take on an in-form Melbourne. The Dees’ star ruckman Max Gawn is back from a hamstring injury, he and Melbourne’s midfield will be the biggest worry for West Coast I think. Even without Gawn, Melbourne are ranked the third-best centre clearance team, while the Eagles are ranked 15th.
It will be an interesting match-up between Gawn and West Coast’s Nathan Vardy this week. Vardy performed extremely well last week against his old club, he seems to be improving from week to week. He will be tested against Gawn however, I think he has the strength and confidence to hold his own. Vardy has been given his time to shine this season, with injuries to the Eagles’ primary ruckman Nic Naitanui, and back up ruckman Scott Lycett. Vardy will want to continue to prove that he has what it takes to stay in the line-up.
I think this is going to be a really good game, weather reports indicate a sunny Saturday so it should be a lovely day out for Eagles supporters at Domain Stadium. I am tipping West Coast Eagles to beat Melbourne Demons by 15 points!
Let us know your #AFLEaglesDees predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaPaynes.
