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The West Coast Eagles recorded a regulation win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday afternoon, running out the victory by 49 points.
REPORT: EAGLES WIN AT THE GABBA
Final score
Brisbane 12.10.82
West Coast 20.11.131
WHAT’S NEXT? FOLLOW OUR FREMANTLE VS PORT ADELAIDE LIVE BLOG
After a week of intense scrutiny for both sides, there will be plenty to prove for the Brisbane Lions and West Coast Eagles this Saturday as they lock horns at the Gabba. Join The Roar from 1:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
Last week was perhaps the ugliest yet for both of these teams in 2016, each suffering humiliating losses in their own way.
The Lions were torn apart at home by cellar-dwellers Fremantle, while the Eagles collapsed against the Adelaide Crows, failing to register a single point in the final term – the first time the Perth club have ever been held scoreless in a quarter.
There’s no doubt the losses have reverberated to the team lists, with both teams making plenty of adjustments in the hopes of a better showing.
The Lions have omitted Nick Robertson, Dan McStay and Trent West, but have also lost Tom Bell and Harris Andrews to injury.
Coming into the side are Marco Paparone, Josh Walker, Ryan Lester, Claye Beams and Eric Hipwood in his first senior match.
As for the Eagles, Nic Naitanui’s well publicised knee injury will see him miss the next 6-8 games, while Scott Lycett, Liam Duggan and Xavier Ellis have been dropped after disappointing weeks both on and off the field.
Jon Giles will play his first game in West Coast colours, joining Lewis Jetta, Fraser McInnes and Sam Butler as inclusions.
Stefan Martin has been one of Brisbane’s most disappointing players this season, and will be looking to regain some form against a depleted ruck division.
With Tom Rockliff back in the side, the on-ball division looks far stronger, but the core group will have plenty of work to do against a midfield boasting Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey.
The Eagles as a whole have had a strange season up til this point with many questioning their ability to win away from home – this match is key for them, as on paper they look to have a clear advantage at both ends of the ground.
Jeremy McGovern continues to have a stellar season holding down defence, while Josh J Kennedy keeps adding to his goal tally.
The finals race is become tighter by the week, and a four-quarter effort from the Eagles’ forward line against an undersized Lions backline will certainly go a long way to giving them a much-needed percentage boost.
It might be 8th versus 17th, but there is plenty on the line for both sides. Justin Leppsitch’s future is at stake, with the third-year coach feeling undoubtedly feeling more and more pressure as each loss mounts.
The Eagles are suddenly far from certain finalists and with key players out will be keen to make a statement.
Prediction
Brisbane can’t kick enough goals to win here.
West Coast by 43.
Will the Eagles relieve some pressure with an important win or can the Brisbane Lions finally put an end to their losing streak? Join The Roar from 1:40pm (AEST) for live blogging and score updates, and join in the discussion below!
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