SUMMARY
The Eagles produced their best win under Adam Simpson last week while the Suns travel west coming off their fifth loss of the year. The Suns have never won in Perth but they have run the Eagles close in each of the past two years. They have often been high scoring, entertaining encounters. But the Eagles' undermanned defence has been ruthless in recent weeks. The Suns need to utilise their midfield pace as they did in round 13 against the Eagles last season in mounting a spirited second-half comeback.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, May 16, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R23, 2014, West Coast 23.13 (151) d Gold Coast 15.9 (99) at Metricon Stadium
R13, 2014, West Coast 15.13 (103) d Gold Coast 15.10 (100) at Subiaco Oval
R19, 2013, West Coast 20.10 (130) d Gold Coast 17.11 (113) at Subiaco Oval
R14, 2012, West Coast 25.16 (166) d Gold Coast 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval
R11, 2011, West Coast 13.7 (85) d Gold Coast 10.7 (67) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast is ranked equal fifth for marks inside 50 in 2015 averaging 12.2 per game. Key forward Josh Kennedy is the No.1 ranked player for marks inside 50 across the competition.
2. Kennedy has enjoyed playing against the Suns kicking 24 goals in four games. In 2014 he kicked 15 goals in two outings against the Suns.
3. West Coast is ranked second for scoring in 2015 averaging 102.5 points a game. Gold Coast is ninth, averaging 85 points.
4. The Suns have lost all six games they have played at Domain Stadium. They have lost to the Eagles four times and twice to the Dockers, including a 126-point loss to West Coast in 2012.
5. The Eagles are the most accurate team in front of goal this season operating at 57.9 per cent accuracy. The Suns are 10th in the AFL at 48.3 per cent.
6. Dion Prestia (25th) is ranked three places higher than the Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis (28th) on the Official AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Harley Bennell. The talented midfielder dominated in the NEAFL last week gathering 40 disposals and kicking two goals. He has an opportunity to return from exile and make a big statement with his performance.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 30 points
