Can the Eagles make it 8 wins on the bounce in their bid for the premiership top spot?
A win on Sunday against the Giants could take the Eagles level with Port Adelaide who are sitting on 36 points at the top of the premiership.
Conditions are looking warm and dry in Perth this weekend for the 2020 Indigenous Round. Expect a fast, open game between two sides who like running with the ball in hand.
The Eagles come into this clash off the back of a comprehensive victory against the Hawthorn Hawks, with stand out performances coming from Liam Ryan and Nic Naitanui, both of whom have an aerial presence that will pose a huge threat to the Giants.
However, this GWS side is not to be underestimated and will be looking to bounce back from last week’s heavy defeat to local rivals, Sydney Swans.
Losing by a 41 point margin, the Giants will likely come out with fire in their bellies knowing that a win on Sunday could move them up into 7th place and help them secure a spot in this year’s playoffs.
This is a point Eagles coach Adam Simpson has already made and has expressed how much of a danger the Giants could pose, warning his players that “this will be the toughest game of the season.”
And with 5 games in 19 days, the Eagles will certainly want to guard against any complacency and pick up 4 points this weekend before heading over to Queensland on Tuesday to take on an inform Richmond side.
The Eagles will also be aware of the Giant’s scoring ability and will look to utilize defenders Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barras to shut down GWS’ top scorer, Jeremy Cameron, who has already racked up 18 goals this season.
We’re also in for an exciting battle in midfield between two of the AFL’s biggest ball winners, Andrew Gaff and Josh Kelly. Gaff secured 33 disposals last week, while Kelly won possession 31 times against the Swans. It’s going to be a huge contest between these two and it’s one that you’ll want to keep an eye on.
One big concern for Adam Simpson is the Eagles mounting injury list. Considering the congestion of fixtures over the next few weeks and fresh injuries to Elliot Yeo, Nathan Vardy, and Jack Redden, Simpson knows he is short of cover in midfield. The Eagles coach will be anxious to get through the game without sustaining any more injuries.
If GWS bounce back from their loss against the Swans, we’re in for a blockbuster of a match.
But the Eagles are playing some exceptional footie a the moment and I can’t see GWS being able to cope with their attacking threat.
Expect the Eagles to go 8 on the bounce!