SUMMARY
West Coast crushed the Bombers by 103 points in the last game of the NAB Challenge and the Eagles will be keen to do the same on Thursday night as they seek to keep their slim top-four hopes alive. The Bombers put in a spirited performance against Greater Western Sydney just prior to the bye but before that they suffered heavy losses to Hawthorn and Fremantle. The challenge for the Bombers is two-fold. They need to kick a winning score whilst curbing the Eagles' powerful forward line. The Bombers have averaged just eight goals this season while the Eagles have kicked 18 goals or more in five of seven home games this season. The Eagles will want to put in a good display against former coach John Worsfold.
It's a big week for Eagle Scott Lycett should he make his likely return to the senior side. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, June 30, 6.10pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R11, 2015, West Coast Eagles 14.12 (96) d Essendon 6.10 (46) at Domain Stadium
R21, 2014, Essendon 11.11 (77) d West Coast Eagles 11.8 (74) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2013, West Coast Eagles 18.12 (120) d Essendon 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2013, Essendon 15.8 (98) d West Coast Eagles 13.13 (91) at Domain Stadium
R7, 2012, Essendon 16.17 (113) d West Coast Eagles 7.10 (52) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The last time these sides met Essendon managed only three goals in the first half, six for the game, had 20 fewer inside 50s and 10 fewer scoring shots. But the Bombers had more disposals (413-362) and took more marks (120-88).
2. West Coast is ranked third for marks inside 50 averaging 14.4 per game. Essendon has struggled in this area, ranked last with only 9.4 per game.
3. The Bombers continue to be a high-disposal side, ranked second in the AFL averaging 393.7 per game. They are also ranked second for uncontested possessions with 264.6 per game.
4. West Coast has dominated Essendon at Domain Stadium, winning 15 games to three, including nine of the last 10. The Bombers have lost their last 10 games interstate and haven't won since 2014 in Adelaide.
5. There is a big difference between the two teams in scoring. West Coast is ranked third for goals per game with 15.1 while Essendon is last with 8.5. The Bombers are the only team under 10 goals per game.
6. West Coast has two of the top-12 key forwards in the Schick AFL Player Ratings in Josh Kennedy (35 overall) and Jack Darling (110). The Bombers' highest-ranked key forward is Joe Daniher. He is 25th among key forwards and 256th overall.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Scott Lycett.
He gave up his spot in round 13 after he was dropped for disciplinary reasons. He put in a good performance in the WAFL but he would want to deliver a strong performance at AFL level in the absence of Nic Naitanui.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 60 points
