HoneyBadger35
They're not going to pick him, Mitch.
- Aug 11, 2011
- 28,407
- 80,396
- AFL Club
- West Coast
- Moderator
- #1
The condensed AFLW fixture throws up an early quirk, as the West Coast Eagles (who last played on Thursday) take on Collingwood (who played on Friday, in Brisbane no less). Given the short turnaround, it's hard to know what either side will bring to the table, but a bizarre rest and travel advantage for the away side could certainly help the Eagles.
The winless Pies having historically been closer to the pointy end of the AFLW ladder, but have failed to get into gear in 2024. Could the Daisy era kick off with an unthinkable 3-1 start?
Last time they met: West Coast 3.4.22 def by Collingwood 7.4.46
The two sides have met just twice before in AFLW history. The first clash was the inaugural West Coast AFLW fixture, which ended in a tough defeat. Most recently, the teams faced off in early 2022, during the Eagles' second season.
Niamh Kelly, Imahra Cameron and Dana Hooker were the goal scorers that day. Treasured memories.
Teams:
Verity Simmons and Evie Gooch return to the side, with no unforced changes following Thursday's win. Sophie McDonald has overcome her concussion, but now faces a stint on the sidelines with a wrist injury, so the wait for the SMac/Schillo partnership rolls on.
The Eagles catch an enormous break, as Pies midfield gun Brit Bonnici is set to miss with a calf strain suffered in Friday's clash.
Ones to watch:
Ali Drennan and Ella Roberts split the coaches votes last week, coming home with nine each, in what was a huge statement from a midfield that has struggled to possess the footy. They'll now look to back it up against a Pies midfield missing some key cogs, but still boasting yet another AFLW Best and Fairest winner - this week, it's Bri Davey.
Amy Franklin has had a season to forget thus far. She clearly knows where the goals are, but has struggled to get involved at all, let alone up the ground as an outlet option. Forward efficiency has been at a premium for both of these sides, and the Eagles have found a better avenue to goal through the mid/small forwards than through leading targets.
It's a genuine game changer for the club if Franklin can capture some form, in time for Roxy Roux to make her eventual debut in blue and gold. The Pies KPDs looked a weak link at first pass last week, so maybe this is the week.
Prediction:
I'm nervous about this one. The prospect of a 3-1 start, and our best ever season this early in the campaign is tantalising. Having caught the second half of the Pies/Lions blowout, I was struck by how solid Collingwood actually looked, despite the scoreline.
Cautiously optimistic...Eagles by...one point.
The winless Pies having historically been closer to the pointy end of the AFLW ladder, but have failed to get into gear in 2024. Could the Daisy era kick off with an unthinkable 3-1 start?
Last time they met: West Coast 3.4.22 def by Collingwood 7.4.46
The two sides have met just twice before in AFLW history. The first clash was the inaugural West Coast AFLW fixture, which ended in a tough defeat. Most recently, the teams faced off in early 2022, during the Eagles' second season.
Niamh Kelly, Imahra Cameron and Dana Hooker were the goal scorers that day. Treasured memories.
Teams:
Verity Simmons and Evie Gooch return to the side, with no unforced changes following Thursday's win. Sophie McDonald has overcome her concussion, but now faces a stint on the sidelines with a wrist injury, so the wait for the SMac/Schillo partnership rolls on.
The Eagles catch an enormous break, as Pies midfield gun Brit Bonnici is set to miss with a calf strain suffered in Friday's clash.
Ones to watch:
Ali Drennan and Ella Roberts split the coaches votes last week, coming home with nine each, in what was a huge statement from a midfield that has struggled to possess the footy. They'll now look to back it up against a Pies midfield missing some key cogs, but still boasting yet another AFLW Best and Fairest winner - this week, it's Bri Davey.
Amy Franklin has had a season to forget thus far. She clearly knows where the goals are, but has struggled to get involved at all, let alone up the ground as an outlet option. Forward efficiency has been at a premium for both of these sides, and the Eagles have found a better avenue to goal through the mid/small forwards than through leading targets.
It's a genuine game changer for the club if Franklin can capture some form, in time for Roxy Roux to make her eventual debut in blue and gold. The Pies KPDs looked a weak link at first pass last week, so maybe this is the week.
Prediction:
I'm nervous about this one. The prospect of a 3-1 start, and our best ever season this early in the campaign is tantalising. Having caught the second half of the Pies/Lions blowout, I was struck by how solid Collingwood actually looked, despite the scoreline.
Cautiously optimistic...Eagles by...one point.
