SUMMARY
West Coast has its sights on a top-four spot and Sunday's game against Carlton represents a golden opportunity. But the Eagles will have to win at the MCG, where they have lost their past two games – both against Hawthorn, in last year's Grand Final and in round two this season. Carlton's midfield struggled against the Crows last Sunday and the Blues won't have any easier this week against Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Chris Masten. The Blues are down on confidence after losing four in a row and need to reduce their skill errors and turnovers if they hope to upset the visitors. With Carlton battling to kick a competitive score, Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy looms as a big threat against his former side.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, July 17, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Brad Sheppard finally gets to the 100-game milestone this week. Picture: AFL Media
LAST FIVE TIMES
R2, 2015, West Coast 20.11 (131) d Carlton 9.8 (62) at Domain Stadium
R6, 2014, Carlton 14.8 (92) d West Coast 12.17 (89) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2013, Carlton 12.17 (89) d West Coast 7.23 (65) at Domain Stadium
R12, 2012, West Coast 10.19 (79) d Carlton 10.9 (69) at Domain Stadium
1SF, 2011, West Coast 15.11 (101) d Carlton 15.8 (98) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy was the star the last time these clubs met, booting 10 goals. After quarter-time the Eagles kicked 16 goals to three. The Blues were scoreless in the second quarter.
2. After winning six of seven games between rounds five and 13 the Blues have lost their past four matches, including two by 60 points or more. They have struggled to score, with nine, seven and six goals in the past three games.
3. Carlton and West Coast meet for the 42nd time. The Blues hold a narrow advantage (21-20), but the Eagles have won four of the past six.
4. The Eagles are ranked first for free kicks this season with 21.8 a game. Carlton is ranked 15th at 18.9 a match.
5. West Coast is ranked third for scoring this season with 104 points a game. But the Eagles average only 80 points a match away from Perth compared with 120 at Domain Stadium.
6. Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis is the ninth-ranked midfielder (No. 14 overall) and teammate Luke Shuey ranked 16 (No. 25 overall) in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The highest-ranked Blues midfielder is injured skipper Marc Murphy at No. 47 (No. 96 overall).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Brad Sheppard.
The attacking defender, 25, finally makes it to 100 games after making his debut in 2010. He has become an important member of the Eagles' backline, playing every game since the start of last season.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 11 points.
