West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 23 August 2015
4:40pm (AEST), Domain Stadium
The Eagles have won seven of their last nine games, including a draw against the Suns in round 18, which has seen them soar to second place on the ladder.
Coach Adam Simpson has taken the Eagles from ninth-placed in 2014 to a genuine premiership contender in 2015.
Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis has been dominant again, while power forward Josh Kennedy leads the race for the Coleman Medal.
Despite several players succumbing to injuries throughout the year, the Eagles have continued to defy the odds, culminating in a win in the Derby last weekend, cementing their top four place.
Simpson had the following to say after that match.
“It was a really good, gutsy win. We’re really proud of our players.
“I thought they were coming pretty hard so to finish off like we did, and we lost a few soldiers, to hold on was really pleasing.”
West Coast Eagles Key Stats
- #2 hitouts (977)
- #2 goals (287)
- #2 goal assists (195)
- #3 handballs (3176)
- #3 marks inside 50 (245)
- #3 inside 50s (1047)
- #4 contested possessions (2664)
Players to Watch
Josh Kennedy
Kennedy currently sits 13 goals clear at the top of the league goal kicking list. He’s averaging six marks a match, and almost four marks inside 50. Undeniably the dominant forward of the competition in 2015, the Dogs will have their hands full managing Kennedy on Sunday.
Matt Priddis
Last year’s Brownlow medallist, Priddis hasn’t dropped form in 2015. He’s averaging 29 disposals a match, and sitting third in the league for total possessions. Priddis averages 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles and three inside 50s per match.
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 16
West Coast Eagles 30
Last time we met
Western Bulldogs 14.13 (97) defeated West Coast Eagles 14.3 (87) at Etihad Stadium, round one 2015
West Coast last three games
R20 2015 – West Coast Eagles 15.14 (104) defeated Fremantle 11.14 (800
R19 2015 – Hawthorn 13.10 (88) defeated West Coast Eagles 11.8 (74)
R18 2015 – Gold Coast 12.11 (83) drew with West Coast Eagles 11.17 (83)
