David Wirrpanda

How quickly a team's fortunes can change in AFL football. Accused of tanking their season only four weeks ago, the West Coast Eagles have put together two solid wins and are still a mathematical possibility to make the Final Eight. As slim a chance as that Finals appearance may be, their improved form is unarguable.

West Coast Eagles fans have long memories. In 1993 Essendon won a match against the Eagles after the siren and on his triumphant run down the coaches' race, then Bombers' coach Kevin Sheedy showed his elation by waving his jacket helicopter-like over his head. To this day, depending on the outcome of the game, fans continue the tradition.

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

In spite of this match having little significance other than bragging rights in Western Australia, the Round 17 Western Derby opened true to form with some pre-game rough stuff. Before the ball was even bounced there were scuffles and bumps as players tried to assert psychological and physical dominance over their opponents. With West Coast and Fremantle ranked 15th and 16th for kicking efficiency in the league (last and second last) the possibility of a low skill and error-filled game was very real.

Janet Linn reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

Dazed Eagles supporters had their Finals hopes seriously undermined after an unexpected defeat by Collingwood at Subiaco Oval in Round 9. West Coast started better than the Magpies and led by two goals at the end of the first quarter. It was downhill from there on in with Collingwood running out very comfortable 22 point winners. Collingwood went into the game as underdogs with talented forwards

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

At every West Coast Eagles home game a huge seven foot wingspan Wedge-tailed Eagle flies around the stadium as part of the opening entertainment. Things looked grim for the home team when the eagle did one round of the stadium and wanted to come in to land. Tired? No heart? Was this a harbinger of the Eagles versus Melbourne match to come?

Coach Rodney Eade traveled west once again with the Western Bulldogs to take on the West Coast Eagles who were coming off a demoralising loss to Saint Kilda the previous week. The Bulldogs enjoy an impressive winning record at Subiaco Oval and with an unbeaten record in the first three rounds, there were justifiably high expectations of another win.