If West Coast has serious premiership aspirations then this is the week for the Eagles to get their skates on. Their best chance to win the flag this year is to maximize the number of home finals at Patersons Stadium and a 0-3 start to the season would leave them with a battle just to make the top four. They'll win this comfortably against a Melbourne side that simply isn’t competitive. But areas for the Eagles to address are the midfield, which isn't generating nearly enough inside 50s and a forward line whose renowned pressure has disappeared. Melbourne's goals are more basic – crack in, apply some pressure and give supporters a reason to come to the footy.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Saturday April 14, 2.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
Rd 2, 2012, West Coast 25.16 (166) d Melbourne 9.4 (58) at Patersons Stadium
Rd 21, 2011, West Coast 16.14 (110) d Melbourne 9.8 (62) at Etihad Stadium
Rd 6, 2011, West Coast 15.16 (106) d Melbourne 6.16 (52) at Patersons Stadium
Rd 8, 2010, West Coast 10.15 (75) d Melbourne 6.10 (46) at the MCG
Rd 14, 2009, Melbourne 17.10 (112) d West Coast 13.14 (92) at the MCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast thrashed Melbourne last time they met; winning by a club record 108-points in round 2, 2012 at Patersons Stadium. The Eagles dominated the total possession count 447-313, with five players having 30 or more possessions compared to one player at Melbourne.
2. The Eagles have dominated the Demons recently winning the last four matches and nine of the last 11.
3. This will be the 44th clash between the sides and West Coast holds a clear 28-15 edge in head-to-head match-ups.
4. West Coast has lost its last seven games at the MCG; a club record and hasn’t won at the venue since round 8, 2010 when it defeated Melbourne.
5. Did you know the last time Melbourne and West Coast met at the MCG it was round 8, 2010 and it was 10th v 13th on the ladder.
6. West Coast's first finals appearance came in 1988 at Waverley, when it lost by two points to Melbourne in the elimination final.
