SUMMARY
The Giants have the best opportunity in their short history to claim a win at Domain Stadium. The Eagles are depleted in defence and vulnerable in the midfield and the Giants are playing exceptional football. But the Eagles are travelling well despite some obvious deficiencies and have feasted on the Giants in previous years. The key will be in the midfield and it starts with the ruck contest between Nic Naitanui and Shane Mumford. The Giants have pace to burn at ground level but the Eagles possess scoring power up forward. It promises to be very entertaining.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, May 2, 5.40pm AWST
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R8, 2014, West Coast 30.8 (188) d GWS Giants 12.5 (77) at Subiaco Oval
R9, 2013, West Coast 23.17 (155) d GWS Giants 8.7 (55) at Spotless Stadium
R3, 2012, West Coast 23.12 (150) d GWS Giants 10.9 (69) at Blacktown
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast destroyed the Giants the last time the sides met. The Eagles had 36 more disposals, 43 more marks, 21 more scoring shots, 40 more inside 50s and Josh Kennedy booted a career-high 11 goals.
2. The Giants are No.1 for handballs in 2015 with a total of 737, averaging 184.2 per game. The Eagles are ranked sixth with 673 at 168 per game.
3. No team has kicked more goals this season than West Coast with 63. The Eagles are ranked number one in scoring averaging 104 points per game. The Giants are ranked third for scoring with 99 points per game.
4. The Giants are yet to enjoy success at Domain Stadium. They have lost all four games in Perth by an average margin of 99 points and have conceded an average score of 153 points to 54.
5. Defence has been the key for the Giants’ impressive start in 2015. They are ranked fifth for least points conceded with 74.5 per game. In 2014 their average points conceded per game was 105.
6. The ruck duel will be fascinating this week. Nic Naitanui is ranked the third best ruckman in the country according to the AFL Official Player Ratings. Shane Mumford is ranked eighth and 88th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Scott Lycett. Nic Naitanui has been very influential so far this year but the Eagles have not been as productive at stoppages when Naitanui is resting either forward or on the bench. Lycett has another big challenge against Shane Mumford this week.
PREDICTION: West Coast by five points
