West Coast recruit Jack Graham is set to miss the highly anticipated clash against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 12:10 pm (10:10 am WST), due to injury concerns. This news comes as the Eagles look to bounce back after a disappointing performance in their season opener against Gold Coast, where they suffered a staggering 87-point loss.
In a tactical shift as they prepare for this weekend’s match, Liam Baker may have the opportunity to move into the midfield to help bolster the Eagles’ performance. The team will need to show significant improvement against a formidable opponent like Brisbane. The last time these teams met, West Coast was narrowly defeated by the Lions, managing 14.9 (93), while Brisbane scored 16.10 (106) at Optus Stadium in Round 19 of 2024. This match exemplified the spirit of the Eagles, who pushed Brisbane in a high-pressure contest, showcasing resilience early on.
Despite starting strong and appearing to take control in the initial term, West Coast was ultimately overshadowed by Brisbane’s clearance dominance as the game progressed. This time around, the Eagles are eager for a more competitive performance, particularly given the significant changes and a revamped game plan they have undergone this off-season. The coaching staff hopes that learning the new system will take time but will eventually lead to improved results. As stated by West Coast officials, "After suffering a disappointing 87-point loss to Gold Coast in round one, the Eagles will be looking to produce a much more competitive performance against the Lions on Sunday."
With Jack Graham’s absence, the pressure mounts on the midfield to deliver a stronger performance. Last week, in Graham’s debut for the Eagles, he recorded an impressive 75 pressure points, ranking fourth in the AFL. His contributions will clearly be missed on the field. Midfielders like Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo will need to assume greater responsibility for the team’s operations in the center and leverage their strength against the reigning premiers.
Tim Kelly, who had a quiet game last week, finishing with only 14 disposals and six tackles, knows he has to elevate his game to match up against Brisbane’s standout dual Brownlow medallist, Lachie Neale. Neale, who had an unusually subdued performance against the Suns, recording just ten touches, is undoubtedly preparing for a resurgence in this matchup.
One of the major storylines for this upcoming game will revolve around how West Coast’s midfield will perform, especially after the Gold Coast's dominant display that saw them beat the Eagles in contested ball by a staggering 43. The Eagles have had some serious work to do during the training week to rectify this aspect of their game while finding ways to adapt to the new game strategy imposed by their coaching staff.
Looking ahead at individual player expectations, there’s a lot of optimism around Matt Owies, who scored one goal last weekend in his first game for West Coast. With anticipation building, predictions suggest he’ll kick two goals this week—an aim echoed by fans hoping to witness the emergence of new talent amidst the Eagles’ rebuilding phase. Owies’ performance will be broadcast live on 7 and 7plus in Western Australia, and nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo, contributing to the match's stakes and excitement.
The stakes have never been higher for the West Coast Eagles as they try to find their rhythm against a strong Brisbane side. Fans are looking for a turnaround performance that not only highlights the individual talents of their players but also brings hope for the rest of the season. This clash at the Gabba has the potential to be a defining moment early in the 2025 season, and the Eagles will surely look to channel their competitive spirit and energy to disrupt Brisbane’s dominance.
