Harley Reid handballs during West Coast's clash against Essendon in round 12, 2026. Picture: Getty Images

IN A CLASH between two struggling sides to finish the round, West Coast will fancy its chances of a fourth win this year when it hosts Essendon.

West Coast (3-8) did enough to give Collingwood a scare in Scott Pendlebury’s milestone match and take something from a rare opportunity to play in front of a huge crowd at the MCG. 

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The Eagles can now aim to regain the momentum from their victory when hosting the Giants two weeks ago, but will be wary of letting their guard down again as they did when stunned by the Tigers on home soil.

The performance against the Magpies was good enough to see West Coast remain unchanged at selection.

West Coast v Essendon at Optus Stadium, 5.20pm AWST
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Essendon (1-10) has seen its horror season go from bad to worse as a listless defeat to an injury-riddled Richmond leaves it with only one win in the past year and in bottom place on the ladder. 

The latest loss was enough for the Bombers as they moved on coach Brad Scott and now face their own mounting injury concerns alongside growing fears for a second wooden spoon since 1933.

Sam Durham, Matt Guelfi, Mason Redman, Jye Caldwell and skipper Andy McGrath all go out via the medical room, with Nik Cox, Elijah Tsatas, Will Setterfield, Saad El-Hawli and Max Kondogiannis coming in.

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