SUMMARY
The blowtorch is back on West Coast after another insipid effort in Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney will be bracing for a ferocious response this Sunday. The Eagles haven’t been beaten at their home fortress this season and are the only team yet to lose to the rising Giants, records they will be desperate to keep intact to avoid dropping back into the pack chasing finals spots. Coach Adam Simpson has put the heat on West Coast's leaders after a 61-point belting from Essendon, and contested ball – one of GWS' strengths – will be a huge focus at Domain Stadium. The Giants have been ravaged by injury but found ways to win coming from behind to topple Collingwood and Richmond in successive weeks. A victory in Perth – where they have taken the points only once in seven attempts – would give Leon Cameron's men a handy gap over a potential top-four rival.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, May 28, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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 Domain Stadium
R8, 2014, West Coast 30.8 (188) d Greater Western Sydney 12.5 (77) at Domain Stadium
R9, 2013, West Coast 23.17 (155) d Greater Western Sydney 8.7 (55) at Spotless Stadium
R3, 2012, West Coast 23.12 (150) d Greater Western Sydney 10.9 (69) at Blacktown
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast has never lost to GWS and is the only side the rising Giants are yet to beat after they stole a win over Collingwood in round eight. The Eagles have won four of the five contests against GWS by more than 80 points.
2. The Eagles' interstate form is back under the microscope, but they are undefeated from four games at Domain Stadium this season. West Coast averages 94 points per game at Domain compared to 87 away. GWS is 2-2 on the road.
3. Despite sitting in the top four, the Eagles have won only 15 quarters, which includes only three final quarters. In contrast, the Giants have won 23 quarters and seven of nine final quarters.
4. GWS doesn’t enjoy a good record at Domain Stadium, losing six of seven matches with some heavy defeats. The Giants have endured five losses by more than 70 points, including three by more than 90.
5. Contested possession is a major indicator of West Coast's performances. The Eagles have been smashed in the statistic in losses to Richmond, Hawthorn and Essendon, and rank 15th in the competition. The Giants are fourth.
6. Josh Kelly's star continues to rise amid big-money interest from rival clubs. Kelly, averaging 32 disposals and eight tackles over the past three weeks, has climbed to 55th in the Schick AFL Player Ratings, up 39 spots since the end of last season.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Shannon Hurn
West Coast's leaders are copping heat from coach Adam Simpson and the strong-bodied skipper will be called upon to set the tone – as he did in round four's fierce win over Sydney – against Greater Western Sydney this Sunday.
PREDICTION: West Coast by five points.
