West Coast Eagles v North Melbourne
Saturday, July 27 - 2:35pm AWST
Optus Stadium
Form
West Coast Eagles (12-5) v North Melbourne (7-10)
The reigning premiers are hot-favourites, having won four of their last five, with one loss in that period by a single point in a Grand Final rematch against Collingwood.
The Roos’ form isn’t as strong, having lost their last two and winning just two of their last five.
North can take some solace from the fact its last two losses have been in the dying moments, and it has shown it can match it with the best teams in the competition with wins over Richmond and Collingwood.
Last time we met
The Roos were exceptional last time the teams met, running out 40-point winners in Round 19 of 2018 at Blundstone Arena.
Ben Cunnington and Paul Ahern put in brilliant games in the midfield, collecting 39 and 37 disposals respectively, while Todd Goldstein had a vintage ruck performance with 22 disposals and 44 hitouts.
Saturday will be the first time the Roos have played the Eagles in the west since 2016, and the first time at Optus Stadium.
North has visited Optus Stadium twice, taking on Fremantle both times, with one win in 2018, and losing to the tune of 82 points in Round 1 this year.
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Key matchup
Robbie Tarrant v Jack Darling
Tarrant has been outstanding in 2019, taking charge of the Roos’ defence with his leadership qualities and brilliant shutdown displays.
He has rarely been beaten by his direct opponent, but will face one of his biggest tests if he matches up on the in-form Darling.
One part of arguably the best forward duo in the competition with Josh Kennedy, Darling has been in exceptional form in recent weeks, kicking 16 goals in the last four rounds.
With veteran defensive partner Scott Thompson out with a ruptured testicle, Tarrant will be businer than usual on Saturday.
It’s won and lost in...
Defence
As mentioned above, Tarrant and the backs will go up against one of, if not the, most dynamic and dangerous forward lines in the competition.
Outside of the obvious threat of Kennedy and Darling, the likes of Liam Ryan, Willie Rioli, Oscar Allen, Jarrod Cameron and Jack Petrucelle provide speed, goal-threats and genuine X-factor.
The Roos’ defenders will have to be at their very best.
Keep an eye on…
Luke Davies-Uniacke
After he was dropped to the VFL two weeks ago, Davies-Uniacke has responded brilliantly, averaging 28 disposals across two games in the state league.
The number 4 pick in the 2017 draft, Davies-Uniacke clearly possesses plenty of talent, and he will be looking to bring his added confidence and consolidate his spot in the best 22 with a strong performance against the Eagles.
