WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Saturday 20 August, 1.10pm
HEAD TO HEAD: West Coast 19 wins, Essendon 24 wins, no draws
LAST TIME: Essendon 16.10 (106) d West Coast 12.18 (90), round 7, 2011 at Etihad Stadium
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: West Coast: LWWWW Essendon: WLLWW
SUMMARY
After four consecutive wins against bottom-eight opposition, West Coast will relish the opportunity to take on a fellow finals challenger this week, with the rejuvenated Essendon heading west in top form.
With their September tickets booked, the final three weeks of the season for West Coast are about momentum, settling the line-up and displacing Carlton in fourth spot - a goal that will be achieved with three more wins.
Coach John Worsfold's current line-up will be unsettled slightly by the absence of stopper Paddy McGinnity, who has been suspended by the club for one match, but captain Darren Glass and vice-captain Beau Waters are due to return.
You have to go back to round three against the Sydney Swans for West Coast's last loss at Patersons Stadium, setting a challenge for Bombers, who have split their road trips this season 2-2.
Still, there is no doubt coach James Hird's team has rediscovered the defensive edge that underpinned its 5-2 start to the season.
The Bombers were ruthless in attack as well against the Western Bulldogs in round 21, kicking their second highest score for the season - 23.12 (150) - with 13 separate goalkickers.
Brent Stanton (39 possessions and two goals) was outstanding, as was skipper Jobe Watson (12 clearances), setting the scene for an intriguing midfield battle against Matt Priddis, Daniel Kerr and co. on Saturday.
QUESTION MARKS
Who will stamp on their authority on this year's NAB AFL Rising Star Award? The two frontrunners, Luke Shuey and Dyson Heppell will be involved on Saturday, allowing for direct comparisons.
How does Essendon replace Michael Hurley? The big Bomber has been highly effective when played in defence, but his presence at centre half-forward against the Bulldogs on Saturday night screamed match-winner.
PREDICTION
West Coast by 21 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Any coach with serious premiership ambitions will steer clear of Essendon players this week, given the club's bye in round 24, but there will be plenty of interest as always in Dean Cox (Ruck, $416,200). The star big man has been under an injury cloud with a rib complaint, but he brushed that aside to notch a serviceable 96 points against Melbourne. He has pulled up well from that match, and should return closer to his 110 average at home this week.
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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
