WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday May 12, 7.40pm
LAST TIME: West Coast 20.14 (134) def Essendon 11.11 (77), round 22, 2011 at Patersons Stadium
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The match of the round could give supporters and the football public a real chance to judge the premiership credentials of both clubs. West Coast, travelling to Etihad Stadium for the second time in three games, is unbeaten and in good form. But the Bombers have also lifted their output and enter the game after a strong 67-point win over the Brisbane Lions.
THE FOUR POINTS
ESSENDON
1. The Bombers' 10-day break between round five and six seemed to agree with them, with James Hird's men kicking eight first-quarter goals against the Lions. This week they play their second of six consecutive Saturday games, giving the club some consistency and regularity with their training schedule.
2. It has seemed to be a major focus every week this season: which Bomber could miss with injury? This week Stewart Crameri is in the spotlight after the forward left the field with a knee injury last week. He's been cleared of structural damage but is still in doubt to face the Eagles.
3. In round seven last year the Bombers were too good for the Eagles, winning by 16 points in a terrific contest under the roof at Etihad Stadium. It is a ground the Bombers play particularly well, having won 11 of their last 12 games at the venue.
4. How will the Bombers combat the Eagles' key forwards? Granted, West Coast has lost some firepower in Josh Kennedy, Mark Nicoski and Mark LeCras to injury. But they still have Jack Darling, Quinten Lynch and a resting ruckman as targets, something Essendon will need to contend with. The inclusion of Tayte Pears could be vital after missing last week with a knee injury.
WEST COAST
1. With every injury the Eagles suffer, they get closer to exposing a part of their list that might not be able to match the high standards set so far this year. The team's depth has already been tested, and Josh Hill, Ashton Hams, Patrick McGinnity and Jacob Brennan have passed the test. But more fringe players are likely to be called on this week with Hams (suspension) and Adam Selwood (hand) unavailable. Can the next tier slot in as seamlessly?
2. The focus on West Coast's ability to draw free kicks for high tackles disappeared pretty quickly after it was raised by Alastair Clarkson in round four, but it is a debate that isn't going away after Brad Scott put it back on the agenda this week. Will the Eagles continue to employ their technique as effectively, or can the Bombers tackle in a way that doesn't see them concede free kicks?
3. The Eagles have beaten the Western Bulldogs (13th) and Richmond (12th) in Melbourne this year, and they accounted for premiership fancy Hawthorn (11th) at home. However, Essendon (4th) is the first of the current top eight teams West Coast has faced and the ladder leaders are likely to go into the game as slight underdogs. With five wins from their last seven games at Etihad Stadium, the venue holds no fears.
4. Rising Eagle Scott Selwood went head-to-head with North Melbourne star Andrew Swallow in round six and came out on top, so which Bomber does he run with on Saturday night? Jobe Watson had 36 disposals against the Brisbane Lions. However, Brent Stanton (39 and 17 marks) has been in brilliant form and will need close attention. With Eagle Matt Priddis (nine clearances against the Kangaroos) also in strong form, the stoppage battles will be tightly contested.
AFL.com.au prediction: West Coast by 17 points
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
