Will last week’s derby victory boost the Eagles enough to get the win over the Giants?

After coming across a little underwhelming in the past 4-6 weeks, there were some very positive and encouraging signs from the West Coast Eagles last week in their big win over the Dockers. Josh Kennedy had a ripper of a game and finished with 7 goals and the Ross Glendinning Medal around his neck.

Nic Naitanui returned to the line-up and there has been a lot of speculation surrounding how much of an impact he actually has in a game. I think it is too soon to tell after just one game back, against a bottom 4 opponent, it will be interesting to see what happens against Greater Western Sydney this week. There is no denying that the ‘Nic Nat influence’ is a real thing, in the sense that he has the ability lift the team with his presence around the ground. Whether or not the Eagles are, or should be, so reliant on him to really shape the outcome of the game is another story…

This week is going to be a much harder task for the West Coast Eagles when they take on the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday. GWS have exceeded everyone’s expectations this season. They seem to have found a good balance of experience, and an elite midfield with some really good depth. Both sides will be looking at setting up for finals, so this will definitely be a crucial game to prove where they are at, and why they are both genuine contenders for the flag.

West Coast still has the ‘flat track bullies’ label hanging over their head and honestly, it’s getting old. I would really like to see them squash it for good and get the win away from home this week! I really do believe that West Coast can step it up another notch in the next few weeks and get back to the dominating form that they were in last season. They just need to get their confidence back!

I am hoping a spark has been lit in the belly of Josh Kennedy after kicking 7 goals, making him hungry for more this week. GWS defender Phil Davis will have the massive task of trying to control JK and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in that contest.

I think it will be a big week for Elliot Yeo and Jack Darling this week. Both were quiet against Fremantle last week and they should be looking to step up- the Eagles will need everyone performing at their best if they are to topple the Giants. I think it is going to be a very close game!

I am tipping West Coast Eagles to beat Greater Western Sydney by 5 points!

Let us know your #AFLGiantsEagles predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne