AFL: West Coast will look to hand North Melbourne another loss on the Kangaroos two-week WA road trip after Fremantle handed them a 124-point defeat in Bunbury.
However, they will have to do it without three of their best with Reuben Ginbey, Tom McCarthy and No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma all out of the side through injury.
It means mid-season draftee Marcus Herbert gets a debut while Elijah Hewett and Tom Groos return to the side.
Follow all the action from Optus Stadium with our live blog.
Key Events
Quick message
Former Geelong premiership midfielder and Eagles assistant pulled Harley Reid aside straight away at the break for a quick word.
It’s likely a pat on the back as well as a reminder not to lose his cool as North have done.
And hopefully they can remind him he doesn’t have to kick set shots from 30 metres out as if he was kicking it 100 metres.
QT: North Melbourne 17, West Coast 22
West Coast get away with a sloppy first term with North Melbourne unable to convert their set shots.
The Eagles have looked dangerous on attack but their defenders are falling asleep and allowing too much space for the Roos inside 50.
Reid had a monster first quarter with North Melbourne panicked by his power at forward stoppage.
He has a goal, should have had two, to go with 11 touches and five clearances.
In fact, he has sparked a big melee as the Kangaroos struggle with his arrogance.
It has cost them the lead and Spargo wil be on Clarkson’s dark side after giving away a dopey 50-metre penalty after Reid missed his second set shot.
Injury ward grows
After kicking that goal, Baker has been hurt landing after jumping to take the ball.
His ankle took a nasty twist but he should be able to play on with some strapping.
NM 16, WCE 9
Baker!
West Coast have given North the first two goals with sloppy defending but Baker has one back after showing strength to get free and receive the ball.
He then shapes his body cleverly to correct his trajectory and slot the goal on the run.
NM 15, WCE 9
Davis down
Hamish Davis is down after Paul Curtis dumped his head into the turf with a tackle.
He is back on his feet but looks concussed and ill.
Unlikely he will take any part for the rest of the day.
That kiss
Jack Darling has his first goal against the Eagles at Optus Stadium.
He had the mismatch with Duggan trying to stop him and got an easy chest mark.
He dobs the set shot with ease and blows a big kiss to the fans.
NM 6, WCE 2
Match-ups
Hough goes to Davies-Uniake while Young is on Larkey.
The tackle pressure is up nice and early.
Underway!
Williams winsthe tap and gets a free kick as Xerri crosses the line.
Shanahan had the ball bounce off his chest but Reid got held and gets a free kick.
However, he tried to kick the ball too hard and sprays it miles wide.
NM 0, WCE 1
Slowly filling
The fans are slowly finding their way into their seats.
It’s a perfect day for watching footy, a little cold, so hopefully they can get close to 50,000.
Cheeky greeting
Nic Naitanui is working with the Eagles’ rucks and midfield but took a quick break to welcome Jack Darling back to Optus.
He threatened to bump him over with the jump bag as old friends got reacquainted.
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