THE TEAMS
MELBOURNE
B: Daniel Ward, Nathan Carroll, Adem Yze
HB: Nathan Brown, Ryan Ferguson , Daniel Bell
C: Matthew Bate, James McDonald, Aaron Davey
HF: Brad Green, Brad Miller, Cameron Bruce
F: Colin Sylvia, David Neitz, Lynden Dunn
FOLL: Jeff White, Simon Godfrey, Travis Johnstone
I/C (from): Paul Johnson, Nathan Jones, Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Brock McLean, Ben Holland, Ricky Petterd
IN: Whelan, Petterd, McLean, Ferguson
OUT: Brent Moloney (groin)
WEST COAST
B: David Wirrpanda, Darren Glass, Brett Jones
HB: Tyson Stenglein, Adam Hunter, Adam Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Michael Braun
HF: Daniel Chick, Ashley Hansen, Shannon Hurn
F: Beau Waters, Quinten Lynch, Rowan Jones
FOLL: Mark Seaby, Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr
I/C (from): Steven Armstrong, Mitchell Brown, Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Mark LeCras, Mitchell Morton, Brent Staker
IN: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Mitchell Morton
OUT: nil
MATCH DETAILS
Sunday, May 20, Subiaco, 2.40pm (local time)
MEDIA COVERAGE
Television – FOX Sports 1, Radio – afl.com.au, ABC, SEN, 5AA, 6PR
TAB SPORTSBET (VIC)
Melbourne – $4.75, West Coast – $1.16
LADDER POSITION
Melbourne – 15th, West Coast – 2nd
WIN/LOSS RECORD
Played – 35, Melbourne – 13, West Coast – 22, Drawn – 0
AT THIS GROUND
Played – 14, Melbourne – 5, West Coast – 9
LAST TIME
Round 9, 2006 – Melbourne 11.9 (75) lost to West Coast 13.19 (97), Subiaco
RECENT STREAK
West Coast has won five of the last six encounters between the two teams, with Melbourne’s last win coming in round seven, 2004 at the MCG. Melbourne’s last win at Subiaco was in round 19, 2002, when it overcame the Eagles by six points.
MILESTONES
Nil.
INJURIES
Melbourne – Russell Robertson (knee), Clint Bartram (knee), Paul Wheatley (shoulder), Isaac Weetra (wrist), Jared Rivers (back), Mark Jamar (ankle)
West Coast – Jaymie Graham (knee), Matt Spangher (shoulder), Mark Nicoski (shoulder), Andrew Embley (knee)
SELECTION TABLE
Melbourne has lost Brent Moloney with a recurrence of his groin problem, but there’s plenty to cheer about with the prospective return of Matthew Whelan and Brock McLean. Both return on an extended bench that also features exciting youngster Ricky Petterd. Ryan Ferguson is a definite starter in defence, covering for the absence of Jared Rivers, who’s out with a sore back.
The presence of Dean Cox on the interchange bench is the big one for the Eagles. He’s not yet confirmed as a starter and the Demons will be hoping West Coast gives the mobile ruckman another week. Chad Fletcher is also a chance to return after some strong performances in the WAFL, while Mitch Morton is also on the extended bench.
FORM
In each of the past two weeks, Melbourne has hit the front in the dying stages, only to be denied by Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs, respectively. Dogs coach Rodney Eade suggested Melbourne’s form was far from that of an 0-7 team, but the ladder doesn’t lie. Unfortunately for the 15th-placed Demons, a trip to Subiaco to take on the reigning premier isn’t the ideal tonic.
West Coast’s form line is almost in direct contrast to that of the Demons. The Eagles dismissed each of their first six opponents with an average winning margin of 23 points, before the Cats managed to shut down the West Coast midfield at Skilled Stadium to claim a 39-point win.
RED HOT
Aaron Davey played one of his best games for the club against the Dogs, racking up 29 disposals, 10 marks and three goals in a scintillating display. It confirmed the lightning-quick forward’s return to form after a slow start to the season. Davey’s pace and skill will be vital to the Demons’ chances of challenging the Eagles on the expanses of Subiaco Oval.
MATCH-UP TO WATCH
Colin Sylvia v David Wirrpanda – Sylvia hit his straps against the Dogs last week as a mid-sized marking forward, booting three goals and hauling in nine marks. The Demons will look for a repeat performance this weekend and Wirrpanda looms as a good match-up for the strongly-built Sylvia. The Melbourne player might be too strong in the air, but Wirrpanda’s smarts at ground level could see him generate plenty of drive from the Eagles defence.
HOW'S STAT?
Melbourne has averaged just 11.6 goals per game in its last three outings at Subiaco, while West Coast has averaged 16.3 goals per game in the same period.
MEMORABLE MATCH
Round 19, 2002 – Melbourne 15.16 (106) d West Coast 15.10 (100), Whitten Oval.Melbourne’s most recent victory against the Eagles at Subiaco started in inauspicious circumstances, with the Eagles leading by four goals at quarter time. A seven-goal second term put the Demons in front, before both sides scrapped their way to a thrilling finish. Best-on-ground Travis Johnstone provided the killer blow with a tremendous run down the wing and a subsequent long bomb that bounced through for a vital final-quarter goal.
FOOT IN BOTH CAMPS
Steven Armstrong – (Melbourne 2002-05 – 43 matches, West Coast 2005-present – 17 matches). Drafted at No. 25 in the 2001 National AFL Draft, Armstrong showed early promise with the Demons in 2002, winning an NAB AFL Rising Star nomination. He was injured in the Bali nightclub bombings later that year and struggled to find his best form after that. With the rapid rise of Aaron Davey as Melbourne’s premier small forward, Armstrong’s opportunities were limited and he was delisted in 2005. West Coast promptly pounced on the native West Australian, adding him to their rookie list for the 2006 season. He earned a senior debut for West Coast in round 13 last year and held his place in the side for the Eagles’ premiership side.
WHAT THE COACH SAYS
"A win isn’t too far away if we continue with the same level of intensity, and the form shown over the last two weeks. We are showing some gradual improvements." – Neale Daniher on melbournefc.com.au.
WHAT THE FAN SAYS
"It’s always tough travelling to the west, and it doesn’t help that the Eagles copped a hiding against Geelong. Godfrey will need to continue his great tagging form on either Judd or Kerr and our midfield will need to match the Eagles at the stoppages. If Sylvia and Bate can present well at half-forward and White can win the ruck, we should give them a fright.” – Jill, Glen Waverley.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
