SUMMARY
These two teams enter round 22 in vastly different form, with the Giants belting the wasteful Western Bulldogs and the Eagles struggling to shake off a determined Carlton last week. Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy has dined out on weaker opponents since his return in round 17, but he'll have a tough job against a miserly GWS backline led by Phil Davis. It's hard to see how the visitors will contain the power running of the Giants midfield, with Dylan Shiel, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio and Tom Scully all in great touch, and if they can continue to have an influence key forward target Jonathon Patton is likely to get plenty of scoring opportunities. West Coast enter the round inside the eight and have so much to play for, but they've struggled to step up in the big moments this season, so it remains to be seen if they're ready to do so on Saturday.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, August 19, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R10, 2017, GWS 14.14 (98) d West Coast 14.6 (90) at Domain Stadium
R21, 2016, West Coast 14.13 (97) d GWS 14.12 (96) at Spotless Stadium
R5, 2015, West Coast 18.12 (120) d GWS 4.9 (33) at Domain Stadium
R8, 2014, West Coast 30.8 (188) d GWS 12.5 (77) at Domain Stadium
R9, 2013, West Coast 23.17 (155) d GWS 8.7 (55) at Spotless Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants had fewer disposals and inside 50s, but smashed the Eagles in the clearances 54-31 in round 10. Josh Kelly starred with 29 disposals, one goal, six tackles and seven clearances.
2. A big advantage for the home side could be in the clearances. They're ranked first, averaging 42.9 per game, well ahead of the Eagles who are ninth at an average of 36.4. GWS is second in centre clearances.
3. The Giants' win earlier this season was their first against the Eagles after West Coast had won the previous five matches, including four by more than 80 points.
4. The teams have played twice previously at Spotless Stadium, with the Eagles winning by 100 points and one point. GWS has five wins, one loss and one draw at the venue this season.
5. Josh Kennedy has starred since returning from injury kicking 26 goals in five games – 37 per cent of his team’s goals. He's played six times against the Giants for 30 goals, with a career best haul of 11 in 2014.
6. GWS midfielder Josh Kelly is inside the top 30 of the Schick AFL Player Ratings for the first time at number 29, a career-high.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Phil Davis
The co-captain is in outstanding form and will need to continue to have a strong presence against Coleman Medal leader Kennedy.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 27 points
