West Coast produced perhaps its best victory in four years when it defeated Carlton by 36 points away from home in Round 14.
Led by Matt Priddis (30 touches) and Dean Cox (21 touches and 22 hit-outs) in the middle, as well as Mark LeCras (three goals) and Quinten Lynch (two goals, 22 touches, 12 marks and eight inside 50’s) up forward, the Eagles proved they are a genuine contender in 2011.
But did the bye come at the worst time possible for West Coast?
The week off hasn’t been kind to teams this season, with 12 of 16 teams failing to register a win after a bye the previous round.
Can the Eagles break the trend?
On the other side of the ledger is Geelong, who was finally tamed last weekend.
The Cats were due for a loss, but no one expected it to come last weekend.
After 13 straight wins, the blue and white hoops went down to an improved Essendon outfit by four points in one of the games of the season.
There weren’t too many four-quarter players for the Cats. But, collectively, they found ways to kick goals at the right time and get themselves back into the game.
Steve Johnson was particularly influential, producing a magical final quarter with three goals and great defensive pressure inside forward 50.
No doubt the Cats will be furious and desperate to avenge last weekend’s performance.
However the Eagles have already proven they are a force to be reckoned with this season, particularly at home.
At the conclusion of this match, we’ll get a further indication of where West Coast is currently at. We’ll also know if the hunger and drive for another premiership is still there for the Cats.
It’s going to be a beauty and thoroughly deserves match-of-the-round status.
When and Where: Tonight 8.30pm (AEST) at Patersons Stadium
Overall Head-To-Head: West Coast Eagles – 21, Geelong – 20, Draws – 1
Recent Form: West Coast Eagles – WWWWB, Geelong – WWWWL
Current Ladder Positions: West Coast Eagles – 5th (9-4), Geelong 1st (13-1)
Join us at 8.30pm (AEST) for live coverage.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
I don't know why that matters. Based on your draw, you should finish ahead of Carlton- and Hawthorn have injuries- so you should finish top 4 (and I hope that you do.) HOWEVER, it aint over till the fat lady sings so you can't say 'HONEY, WE’RE HOME!' to the top 4 just yet. I should also add that mathematically speaking, even GC can still finish top 4, so any celebrations should be reserved for when there is no chance of you being denied a top 4 spot.
Nathan
Guest
And yes, I know we're not actually THERE yet, but as we're now past the second bye, unlike hawks and blues, so I really think it's just a case of time and figuring out who makes way :)
Nathan
Guest
Eagles would like to say... Dear Top 4, HONEY, WE'RE HOME!
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
Full time, WCE 14.12.96 – Gee 13.10.88 As expected, it was a beauty of a match. Pleasure to cover it. That's all from yours truly Roarers. Thanks for following. Be good.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
Full time, WCE 14.12.96 – Gee 13.10.88 Where to now? The Eagles have it all before them now. As mentioned previously, they'll feature heavily in December. Yes enjoy this victory, but they need to knuckle down and focus on next week sooner rather than later. They've reinvented a few players too, such as Nicoski up forward. The Cats were awesome in the second half. They are still an awesome team, highlighted by their ability to kick goals and find ways to get themslves back into games. However they've ropped their past two games after winning their first 13.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
Full time, WCE 14.12.96 - Gee 13.10.88 WCE goal kickers: 3 - Nicoski. 2 – LeCras and Shuey. 1 – Ebert, Embley Kennedy, Naitanui, Smith, Cox and Swift Gee goal kickers: 3 - Podsiadly. 2 – Johnson. 1 – Bartel, Chapman, Ling, Kelly, Menzel, Ottens, Wojcinski and Varcoe WCE leading disposals: Embley (32), Priddis (29), Hurn (24) and Kerr (24) Gee leading disposals: Ling (31), Chapman (29) and Corey (28)
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
Full time, WCE 14.12.96 - Gee 13.10.88 Full credit to the Cats though. They were down by 40 points at one stage, but had a wonderful second half. Their big names lifted in the second half, Corey in the third term and Chapman in the fourth. Still, that's two losses in two weeks for the Cats.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
Full time, WCE 14.12.96 - Gee 13.10.88 What a win for West Coast! Two big wins from its past two games! No doubt the Eagles are a genuine top four contender now! They'll enjoy this victory.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
Full time, WCE 14.12.96 - Gee 13.10.88
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
0.28 to go in 4th, WCE 14.12.96 – Gee 12.10.88 What a mark by Podsiadly! He has little time. Snaps on his left foot and hits the post. There's the nail in the coffin.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
2 to go in 4th, WCE 14.12.96 – Gee 13.9.87 GOAL - Menzel (Gee) They're still a chance!!! Another bit of play from Corey in the corridor. Menzel receives from Chapman. Chips the ball through for a goal!
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
4 to go in 4th, WCE 14.12.96 – Gee 12.9.81 GOAL - Podsiadly (Gee) Beautfiul spearing pass from Corey hits Podsiadly on the chest. The Pods converts for his second. Cats to kick three goals in four minutes?
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
7 to go in 4th, WCE 14.12.96 – Gee 11.9.75 GOAL - Embley (WCE) Woweee! What a goal from the veteran. Found space inside forward 50, accidentally stepped off his mark, ran into trouble, but got around his man and kicked a goal from a very difficult angle. Game just about over.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
8 to go in 4th, WCE 13.12.90 – Gee 11.9.75 Johnson marks inside forward 50. Tries to baulk hs way around the man on the mark, but to no avail. Shrugs him off but still misses. Motlop also misses from a tough angle. Time against the Cats now.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
10 to go in 4th, WCE 13.12.90 – Gee 11.7.73 Halfway through the final term and just the one goal from Nicoski. Still 17 points the margin. Cats need three goals in the 10 minutes - tough, but possible if you go by the start of the third term.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
13 to go in 4th, WCE 13.11.89 – Gee 11.7.73 Magnificent gather from Motlop on the wing and a beautiful kick to Menzel inside 50m. Menzel goes back from 50m out and kicks an absolute spud. Out on the full. Both sides missing opportunities in this term so far.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
15 to go in 4th, WCE 13.11.89 – Gee 11.6.72 Exciting passage of play by the Eagles. They work it along the outer wing. Ends up in LeCras' hands. He kicks from 50m but hits the very bottom of the goal post. Unlucky.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
17 to go in 4th, WCE 13.10.82 – Gee 11.6.72 GOAL - Nicoski (WCE) Opportunist goal by Nicoski. Vardy tapped it to Kelly but his kick went straight to Nicoski, who ran into an open goal. Nicoski has kicked three goals - an equal PB.
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
18 to go in 4th, WCE 12.10.82 – Gee 11.6.72 Chapman marks inside 50m but misses to the left. Would've been the perfect start for the Cats!
Ben Waterworth
Roar Guru
19 to go in 4th, WCE 12.10.82 – Gee 11.5.71 SUBSTITUTION - Stevens on for Swift (WCE)