SUMMARY
If you're looking for a recent form guide between the sides, you don't have to cast your mind back that far. In fact, you only have to revisit the round 22 clash between the Eagles and Demons at Optus Stadium – which Melbourne won by 17 points. Although Melbourne stood tall to book its finals spot in that game, the Eagles – spurred on by their boisterous home crowd – won't make the challenge any easier this time around. Fresh from a week's rest, West Coast – with Josh Kennedy fit and firing – will be tough to beat as it looks to return to the Grand Final stage following its appearance in the decider in 2015.
WHERE AND WHEN: Optus Stadium, Saturday September 22, 1.20pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?
Round 22: Melbourne 16.12 (108) d West Coast 14.7 (91)
Melbourne took full advantage of the fact West Coast was without Josh Kennedy and lost Jack Darling in the first 10 minutes of the game with a concussion. It was a memorable victory for the Demons who confirmed their place in finals with a win. The Eagles' twin towers will be available on Saturday night, presenting a significant challenge for Sam Frost, Oscar McDonald and co.
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2018, Melbourne 16.12 (108) d West Coast Eagles 14.7 (91) at Optus Stadium
R14, 2017, Melbourne 15.9 (99) d West Coast Eagles 14.12 (96) at Subiaco Oval
R18, 2016, West Coast Eagles 10.6 (66) d Melbourne 8.12 (60) at Subiaco Oval
R14, 2015, West Coast Eagles 16.18 (114) d Melbourne 9.6 (60) at TIO Stadium
R22, 2014, West Coast Eagles 18.11 (119) d Melbourne 8.5 (53) at Subiaco Oval
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
West Coast
1. Mark Hutchings to go to Clayton Oliver and prevent him from getting clean possession away from contests.
2. Scott Lycett and Nathan Vardy to not allow Max Gawn to drift forward and back as he pleases. Gawn's influence can be immense if he's given a free ride.
3. Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling to isolate themselves deep against Sam Frost and Oscar McDonald to try to exploit a defence that has been shown to be shaky at times this season.
Melbourne
1. James Harmes to saunter up alongside Elliot Yeo and make life difficult for the Eagles playmaker. Harmes played on Shuey the last time they met, but Yeo is the one to stop this time around.
2. The Melbourne players to honour hit-up leads and inside 45 (degree angle) kicks through the corridor to take away the West Coast defenders' ability to intercept.
3. Gawn to continue to station himself behind the ball and the Demons' midfielders and forwards not allowing the Eagles to chip the ball around and retain possession.
THE SIX POINTS
1. In round 22, the Demons had more disposals, inside 50s and dominated the clearances 43-29, while Jake Melksham booted four goals.
2. Melbourne continues to be the highest scoring team in 2018, averaging 15.1 goals per game. West Coast is third in the competition for scoring, averaging 13.3 goals per game.
3. West Coast has won three of four finals games against Melbourne. The Eagles defeated the Demons by 65 points in the 1994 preliminary final.
4. It will be a contest between the two best contested marking sides in 2018. The Eagles are ranked first, averaging 13.5 contested marks per game. The Demons have averaged 13.3.
5. The Eagles have played three previous preliminary finals in Perth and remain undefeated. Melbourne has not played in a preliminary final since 2000, when it last reached the Grand Final.
6. Christian Petracca was the second-highest scoring player on the ground in the Demons' semi-final win over the Hawks, recording a season-best score in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
WHAT THE COACHES SAY
Adam Simpson: "We got beaten by a better side. We got jumped at the start, jumped in a lot of areas, obviously on the scoreboard, but the contested ball was a concern." – after the Eagles' 17-point loss to Melbourne in round 22
Simon Goodwin: "They're a team we're familiar with, but it's a new game. They've got some experienced players that are back in the team that didn't play that day, as we have, so it's going to be a different-looking game, but one we're really looking forward to." – after the Demons' semi-final win over Hawthorn.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett is about to face the most challenging assignment of his career with an in-form Max Gawn primed for the match-up on Saturday night. Gawn has been influential during Melbourne's finals run, although he has perhaps not quite replicated the form that has him as one of the leading contenders for this year's Brownlow Medal. That type of game could come on Saturday, with the Demons ruckman crucial to his side's hopes of making their first Grand Final since 2000.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by seven points
