Presenting all you need to know about Collingwood’s round 18 opponents – the West Coast Eagles – as they prepare to clash on Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.

How did they perform last week?

Having been plagued with inconsistent performances throughout the year, a hard-fought victory over their local rivals in the Western Derby was the boost the Eagles may have needed on their road to the 2017 finals.

A scrappy affair saw the Dockers kick themselves out of the contest with 14 behinds and only five goals, while West Coast’s forward weapons capitalized on their opportunities to lead the Eagles to a 30-point win at Domain Stadium.

Eagles captain Shannon Hurn took home the Ross Glendinning Medal after starring in defence with 34 disposals and 14 marks.

After missing seven weeks with injury, forward Josh Kennedy kicked three goals, while Jack Darling and Mark LeCras added two majors of their own.

Midfielder Andrew Gaff continued his impressive vein of form, recording 35 disposals and eight marks.



Mark LeCras and Jack Darling celebrate a goal during the West Coast-Fremantle match last week. Image: AFL Photos.

What did their coach say?

“We need to win to stay in the hunt for finals,” West Coast coach Adam Simpson said at his post-match press conference.

“We deserved to win the game. We started well…but they missed some opportunities.

“I thought we played some pretty good football at stages, and we hung on well in the last quarter, which has been a bit of a challenge for us lately.

“I wouldn’t say it was a complete game, there were a lot of mistakes both ways. To Fremantle’s credit, they always pressed up and their pressure was elite. We’ll take the win.”



Adam Simpson addresses his players during a quarter-time break. Image: AFL Photos.

Which player(s) are in good form?

West Coast’s midfield is one of the strongest in the competition, and in 2017, Andrew Gaff and Elliot Yeo have produced impressive seasons to compliment their seasoned veterans.

They’ve joined the experienced pair of Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis in assisting West Coast’s engine room with invaluable outside run.

Gaff is enjoying a career-best season, averaging 32 disposals and six marks. The 25-year-old has become the key link in the Eagles' attacking transition.  

Often fed the ball on the outside, Gaff has added a career-high in contested possessions this season.

Another Eagle making his mark in the league is former Lion, Elliot Yeo. In his fourth season at the Western Australian club, Yeo is having a breakout season playing off half-back

With a career-high 24 possessions – including 10 contested – four tackles and seven marks, the 23-year-old is firming as a favourite for the Eagles’ best and fairest and possibly an All-Australian nod.



Gaff is having a career-best season for the Eagles. Image: AFL Photos.

Who’s injured?

The Eagles appear to have taken another hit to their ruck stocks this season after Scott Lycett missed the Fremantle match with soreness in his recently reconstructed left shoulder.

The 24-year-old had made his long-awaited return to senior football the week before against Port Adelaide, but his season now hangs in the balance after his latest injury hiccup.

“Unfortunately, Scott (Lycett’s) shoulder pulled up quite sore. He’s got a problem with the tendon in his shoulder,” West Coast GM of Football Craig Vozzo said this week.

“Hopefully he’s still got some football left in him this year, but we’re not sure of a return date.”

Defender Eric Mackenzie missed the derby with a hamstring injury.

West Coast’s Injury List
Sam Butler (hamstring – 1-2 weeks
Matthew Allen (foot) – season
Malcom Karpany (quad) – test
Scott Lycett (shoulder) – TBC
Eric Mackenzie (hamstring) – 1 week
Nic Naitanui (knee) – late 2017 season
Willie Rioli (hamstring) – test
Simon Tunbridge (knee) – test
Daniel Venales (toe) – 3 weeks
Elliot Yeo (knee) - test



Lycett has been limited to only one senior appearance this season after recovering from a shoulder injury. Image: AFL Photos.

Who’s in the mix to play on Sunday?

West Coast expects utility Elliot Yeo to return against the Magpies after missing last week’s game with soreness in his knee.

“Elliot had a small problem with the back of his knee. He’s recovering well and getting better by the day,” Vozzo said.

“We’re expecting him to be fully training by Thursday. If he does that, he’ll be available to play.”

What are the key numbers between the two sides?

Head to Head    
Overall
Collingwood – 23
West Coast - 24
Draws - 1

At Etihad Stadium
Collingwood - 4
West Coast – 3

Largest crowds (during the H&A season)
62,957 – Round 13, 2012
53,049 – Round 10, 2014
52,968 – Round 10, 2008
52,560 – Round 10, 2011
44,401 – Round 11, 2004

West Coast’s recent form
Round 17 – West Coast (74) def Fremantle (44) at Domain Stadium
Round 16 – West Coast (88) def by Port Adelaide (120) at Domain Stadium
Round 15 – West Coast (87) def Western Bulldogs (80) at Etihad Stadium
Round 14 – West Coast (96) def by Melbourne (99) at Domian Stadium
Round 13 – West Coast (83) def Geelong (70) at Domain Stadium

Last five times we’ve met
Round 19, 2016 – Collingwood (91) def West Coast (72) at the MCG
Round 6, 2016 – West Coast (124) def Collingwood (62) at Domain Stadium
Round 16, 2015 – Collingwood (56) def by West Coast (87) at Etihad Stadium
Round 20, 2014 – West Coast (126) def Collingwood (66) at Domain Stadium
Round 10, 2014 – Collingwood (109) def West Coast Eagles (101) at the MCG



Elliot Yeo is enjoying a breakout season with the Eagles in 2017. Image: AFL Photos.