SUMMARY
The Giants and the Eagles meet for the first time since last year's one-sided semi-final, but the sides are at opposite ends of the form scale heading into round eight. After dropping the season opener against Sydney, West Coast have won their past six matches to sit second on the ladder, while GWS have won just two of their past five and copped a hammering at the hands of Geelong in round seven. The Giants are missing a host of stars and haven't been able to cover the loss of Josh Kelly, Toby Greene and Rory Lobb, and the way they butchered the footy against the Cats didn't help their own cause. West Coast's forward trio of Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Mark Lecras have combined for 46 goals this season and the home side must keep them quiet if they're to stretch their winning streak over the Eagles to four games.
WHERE AND WHEN: Spotless Stadium, Saturday, May 12, 1.45pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
1SF, 2017, Greater Western Sydney 19.11 (125) d West Coast 9.4 (58) at Spotless Stadium
R22, 2017, Greater Western Sydney 12.9 (81) d West Coast 9.6 (60) at Spotless Stadium
R10, 2017, Greater Western Sydney 14.14 (98) d West Coast 14.6 (90) at Subiaco Oval
R21, 2016, West Coast 14.13 (97) d Greater Western Sydney 14.12 (96) at Spotless Stadium
R5, 2015, West Coast 18.12 (120) d Greater Western Sydney 4.9 (33) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Giants had things on their terms at half-time when these teams last played in the 2017 finals and went on to record their greatest winning margin against the Eagles and in finals of 67 points.
2. GWS has struggled to score in recent weeks. In the first four games they averaged 99 points; in the last three that's dropped to 60. Overall West Coast is ranked second in scoring and the Giants 10th.
3. West Coast dominated early clashes between the sides, winning the first five games including the first four by more than 80 points. The Giants have since won the last three.
4. The Giants have dominated most opposition at Spotless Stadium recently, winning 14 of 19 games since the start of 2016, including two wins against the Eagles. West Coast is two from two on the road so far in 2018.
5. Another win for the Eagles and it will be the first time since rounds 10-16, 1996 that they will have won seven consecutive games in a single season.
6. The Eagles will be without their number ranked player, and 12th overall, in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, with Luke Shuey's hamstring injury robbing the visitors of his speed and quality ball use.
IT’S A BIG WEEK FOR …
GWS co-captain Phil Davis will have his hands full with Josh Kennedy and/or Jack Darling on Saturday afternoon, and if he doesn't get support from his midfield up the ground, he'll be in for a tough day.
PREDICTION: Greater Western Sydney by 8 points
