
After brushing aside Essendon last week, the West Coast Eagles will now take on the freshly rested North Melbourne Kangaroos at home on Sunday the 10th of July, 2016. The match pits seventh against eighth, but neither team can afford a loss if they want to finish in the top four.
West Coast’s home ground advantage should prove a massive one with the Eagles winning seven of their eight games at Domain Stadium this year. However, their record against the current top eight sides isn’t as glowing having lost all five matches against them this year.
North Melbourne on the other hand has a poor record at Domain Stadium having won only two of their past 10 games at the venue. They did claim a victory over the Eagles in 2014 in their most recent home-and-away encounter there. The last time they met in Perth was last year’s Preliminary Final where the Eagles triumphed comfortably. The Kangaroos should hold the advantage in the ruck however with Todd Goldstein going up against Scott Lycett and if they can translate that into midfield dominance, they should be able to trap the ball inside 50 for a few repeat entries and scoring opportunities.
Recent form suggests the Kangaroos are in a bit of a slump, losing four of their last five games as injuries have mounted. Coming off the bye, they could potentially get Jarrad Waite back, which will greatly improve their forward structures. The fitness of Daniel Wells is also key as North will need his run and carry more than ever on the large ground. Prized recruit Jed Anderson is also in the picture after two games back in the VFL and the club potentially needing some more speed. Farren Ray is the likely omission having suffered a concussion before the bye. Youngster Corey Wagner might also make way.
As for the Eagles, they’re in better form having won three of their last five and have a few options on the selection table as well. Josh Hill is available after missing with suspension and the likes of Jack Redden and Xavier Ellis have performed in the WAFL after being omitted. They make look to bring in Jonathon Giles to give Lycett some help in the ruck as well. Lewis Jetta was poor again and might be left out as a result. Mitch Brown did not perform as a back-up ruckman and might struggle to keep his spot in the side because of it as well.
Head to head, West Coast have the overall advantage having won 25 of the clubs’ 46 encounters including six of their last eight matches against the Roos. Andrew Gaff and Matthew Priddis will need to be quelled with both men averaging over 25 disposals per game against North Melbourne. Brent Harvey has a similar possession average for North against the Eagles as well as a goal per game to go with it.
All betting agencies have West Coast as sizeable favourites, which is fair considering their record at Domain Stadium and North Melbourne’s recent form. However, you can’t rule out the Kangaroos upsetting the Eagles who recently dropped a game to fellow top eight side Adelaide at home. The Sunday afternoon slot gives West Coast a 10 day break since their last match and as they did not have to travel, they may be just as fresh as North Melbourne, who are coming off the bye.