SUMMARY
West Coast got to work focusing on physicality at training over the bye period and claimed an important scalp when Geelong came to Perth last round. The Eagles' next challenge is to bring the same pressure and intensity against an up-and-coming Melbourne outfit. The Eagles laid 93 tackles in their impressive 13-point win over the Cats and kept a tight leash on some of Geelong's prime movers. Their priority this week be matching the Dees' hard-nosed midfield, which will be bolstered by star ruckman Max Gawn's return from hamstring surgery. At 7-5, both sides have plenty to play for. The Demons are in a strong position to break their 11-year finals drought and a rare victory in Perth – where they should have beaten West Coast last year in the wet - would be a major boost coming off victories over Collingwood and the Bulldogs.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, June 24, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R18, 2016, West Coast 10.6 (66) d Melbourne 8.12 (60) at Domain Stadium
R14, 2015, West Coast 16.18 (114) d Melbourne 9.6 (60) at TIO Stadium
R22, 2014, West Coast 18.11 (119) d Melbourne 8.5 (53) at Domain Stadium
R2, 2014, West Coast 18.15 (123) d Melbourne 4.6 (30) at the MCG
R3, 2013, West Coast 27.15 (177) d Melbourne 13.5 (83) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast has dominated Melbourne over a long period of time, winning the last nine games, including five of the last six by more than 50 points. The Demons' most recent triumph was in round 14, 2009 at the MCG.
2. The Demons' record at Domain Stadium also makes for ugly reading. The Eagles have won the last nine-straight at home and 15 of 20 overall, while Melbourne hasn't beaten either WA team in Perth since round 11, 2004.
3. Star ruckman Max Gawn will be welcomed back with open arms by Melbourne after hamstring tendon surgery, but the Dees are already the third-best centre clearance team (15 per game). The Eagles are ranked 15th averaging 11.8.
4. Melbourne continues to be a high disposal team, averaging 412.3 per game (AFL No.1), while the Eagles are ninth, averaging 386.7 per game.
5. The Demons are the most accurate team in front of goal this season, kicking 181.135 at 54.2%, ahead of West Coast's 155.136 at 50.5% (No.6).
6. Christian Petracca is rocketing up the Schick AFL Player Ratings rankings this year. The emerging Demons star is averaging 18 touches, has booted 17 goals and has climbed 228 places to 136th overall.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR … Nathan Vardy
The Eagles big man was outstanding against his former club Geelong and will need to deliver the same effort to compete against Melbourne giant Max Gawn in the crucial ruck battle. In the back of Vardy's mind will be Scott Lycett's imminent AFL return from shoulder surgery.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 11 points
