Will Melbourne give West Coast Eagles a run for their money this week?
West Coast Eagles come into this game off a very narrow win over Carlton last week and will be looking to keep their top four chances alive with a big win at home this week. Melbourne have shown improvements this season however, they fly west after a 36 point loss to the Saints last weekend and will be looking for a better result against the Eagles.
West Coast are an experienced side and everyone in the league knows how dangerous they can be at Domain Stadium, in front of a roaring home crowd. One to watch this week will be Jack Darling. He had a very average day in front of goal last week, finishing on 0 goals and 5 points, and will no doubt be trying his hardest to ensure that he doesn’t repeat those stats on Saturday. His forward line buddy Josh Kennedy was fairly quiet last week as well, finishing on 2 goals and 1 point against his old side. I expect them both to fire up this week and put on a show!
Despite Melbourne’s loss last week, the recent news of Jack Watts signing a new contract with the Dees will lift their spirits and give them an extra buzz. Jesse Hogan has been in excellent form lately in the forward line for Melbourne. Big forward Chris Dawes returns to the side this week, which will be an additional strong body for the West Coast Eagles defenders to keep an eye on, and will ease some of the pressure on Hogan.
The ruck contest will be interesting this week, Melbourne’s Max Gawn is ranked number one in the comp for hit-outs at the moment, averaging 41.6 a game. Scott Lycett has taken on the ruck role for West Coast Eagles in Nic Naitanui’s absence, and Lycett is ranked 24th in the comp for hit-outs, averaging 20 a game. If Lycett can really step up in the ruck contest and get the ball down to the likes of Matt Priddis or Luke Shuey, I believe West Coast will be able to move the ball effectively into their forward line.
I think we will see Eagle Mark LeCras have a big game and kick a few goals, he always performs extra well at home, and if he starts well, I can see him having a ripper game. Jamie Cripps is another one to watch, he was West Coast’s highest goal scorer last week, finishing with 3 goals, and I can see him carrying that energy into this weeks match.
I am predicting that this will be a close game, one that I think West Coast Eagles will see over the line for the 4 points.
I am tipping West Coast Eagles to beat Melbourne by 10 points!
Let us know your #AFLEaglesDees predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne
