TV: Fox Footy. Brisbane: 7Mate (live). Perth: Fox Footy
Match Notes
- Both sides remain in the hunt for the top eight if other results go their way. For Gold Coast, it’s admittedly the smallest of small chances as their lowly percentage means they have to beat the Eagles by about 160 points to do the trick. For West Coast, though, they’re right in the hunt if Richmond loses to Sydney and they beat the Suns. However, it could come down to a percentage battle between themselves and Adelaide to decide who makes September. At the moment, West Coast have 114.7 and Adelaide 110.2, so the Eagles are in the box seat.
- West Coast will lose the tough Mark Hutchings for this game with a hamstring injury suffered early on in their 66-point win over Melbourne last week. Adam Simpson may be able to replace him with Xavier Ellis who will have his recovery from an AC Joint injury tested at training. West Coast will be sweating on the fitness of ruckman Nic Naitanui, a late withdrawal last week with an Achilles issue, while Scott Selwood (ankle) and Elliott Yeo (hand) are suddenly in the mix despite their seasons appearing over a few weeks ago.
- Gold Coast will be hoping big man Daniel Gorringe is available for this one after he was a late withdrawal for last week’s gutsy loss to Essendon with a knee issue.
- The Suns have lost nine of their last 12 games but look to have turned a corner over the last fortnight as they have produced impressive displays despite losing to Port Adelaide and Essendon.
Key injuries
GOLD COAST
Gary Ablett Shoulder Season
Andrew Boston Ankle Season
Greg Broughton Elbow Test
Charlie Dixon Quad Season
Daniel Gorringe Knee Test
Josh Hall Shoulder Season
Jack Hutchins Quad TBC
Steven May Hamstring Test
Trent McKenzie Hamstring Test
Tom Nicholls Knee TBC
Luke Russell Hip Season
Zac Smith* Ankle Season
WEST COAST
Tom Barrass Groin Season
Xavier Ellis AC joint Test
Mark Hutchings Hamstring 1 week
Malcolm Karpany Shoulder Season
Nic Naitanui Achilles Test
Rowen Powell Shoulder Season
Matt Rosa Pectoral muscle Season
Scott Selwood Ankle Test
Brad Sheppard Ankle Season
Beau Waters* Shoulder Season
Sharrod Wellingham Lateral meniscus Season
Elliot Yeo Hand Test
Last five games
Gold Coast
L 54 Brisbane Lions
W 53 St Kilda
L 39 Carlton
L 9 Port Adelaide
L 19 Essendon
West Coast
L 17 Richmond
W 21 Adelaide
W 60 Collingwood
L 3 Essendon
W 66 Melbourne
Final word
West Coast are riding a serious wave of momentum towards September although how each side plays this game is dependent on results earlier in the round. It may end up being a dead rubber if Collingwood or Richmond win. But if there’s still a chance that finals are a chance, expect the Eagles to produce their biggest performance of the year. Last week their midfield really hit their straps as Mark LeCras, Chris Masten, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff tore Melbourne a new one. With Gold Coast lacking a tagger to go with those blokes on the outside, they could really hurt the Suns this weekend, especially if Matt Priddis is in and under getting the ball out. But if it’s a dead rubber the Eagles could be a little flat, opening the door for Gold Coast somewhat. But West Coast should have the quality to get this done. Eagles by 15 points.