A GAME that not so long ago seemed unlikely to carry many consequences for the top eight has now taken on significant importance as the race to the finals intensifies. West Coast will come to Melbourne with some confidence after strong wins in the past two weeks, showing perhaps the best form of the Eagles' season. Essendon has taken a little bit of a dip, once again highlighting its inconsistency with an 18-point loss to Richmond last week. A finals place is still on the line for both clubs. Essendon is clinging to eighth position on the ladder only by percentage, and a win from the Eagles would see them jump ahead of the Bombers.  



WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, August 16, 4.40pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2013, West Coast 18.12 (120) d Essendon 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2013, Essendon 15.8 (98) d West Coast 13.13 (91) at Patersons Stadium
R7, 2012, Essendon 16.17 (113) d West Coast 7.10 (52) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2011, West Coast 20.14 (134) d Essendon 11.11 (77) at Patersons Stadium
R7, 2011, Essendon 16.10 (106) d West Coast 12.18 (90) at Etihad Stadium

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THE SIX POINTS
1. Dyson Heppell has enjoyed an outstanding season for the club, playing every game and averaging 28 disposals a game. In Jobe Watson's absence, Heppell has become Essendon's No.1 midfielder.
 
2. West Coast forward Mark LeCras has enjoyed playing against Essendon at Etihad Stadium, kicking 23 goals in five games, including a 12-goal haul in 2010.
 
3. With a finals berth up for grabs, expect a reasonable crowd at Etihad Stadium. The best crowd between the sides at the venue is 48,913, in round 11, 2007.
 
4. West Coast's talls have hit form, and will prove a tough task for Essendon to handle. In last week's win over Collingwood, Scott Lycett (four goals), Jack Darling (four) and Josh Kennedy (three) combined for 11 goals.
 
5. Bomber Jake Carlisle kicked the match-turning goal against the Eagles last year when pinned against the boundary line after being switched forward. More than a year on plenty will rest on the shoulders of the 22-year-old if the Bombers are to once again get the four points.
 
6. Stand-in Essendon skipper Brendon Goddard's consistent season has been reflected in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Goddard started the season ranked the 48th best player in the competition but has risen to No.28. 

Prediction: Essendon by 8 points