North Melbourne Kangaroos vs West Coast Eagles Prediction - Round 13

AFL footy arrives in Bunbury this week, with the port city, south of Perth set to host its first home-and-away match when North Melbourne hosts the West Coast Eagles.

Yes, North Melbourne is hosting the Eagles in WA… it’s strange, we know. This is the latest edition of clubs selling home games, So the Roos will be based in WA for two weeks and hosting both WA teams in their own backyards.

The Roos have had their bye, and after a 2-1-8 start to the season, they will be looking to turn three-quarter performances into wins over the second half of the season.

The Eagles managed to give the Cats a huge scare on WA day last week. If not for an errant Noah Long shot at goal early in the last quarter, the margin could have been reduced to just one point. Nonetheless, despite the end result, it was another performance that would have given Eagles fans some optimism about what Andrew McQualter was building with his team.

Now, as they head on the bus to Bunbury, here’s a chance for them to add a second win and get some nourishment as their first half of the season draws to a close.

For a team heading into the second half of their season, North Melbourne couldn’t have a better shot to kick it off with a win than this. 

On the selection front, there’s no respite just yet on the injury front for the Roos, so any changes would be tactical or unforced. Will Phillips, Wil Dawson, and Robert Hansen jr are all pushing for selection. The latter would desperately love to break into the team and play in his home state. 

At the Eagles, veteran forward Jamie Cripps has made a faster-than-expected recovery and will push for selection this week. Livewire Liam Ryan will be tested after copping a knock against the Cats, but big man Bailey Williams will be available after being rested last week - giving the Eagles to play two ruckmen against Tristan Xerri.

Then there is the thought of throwing in mid-season draftee Tom McCarthy for his debut… in Bunbury of all places. That would be a trivia question!

For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Roos vs Eagles prediction and preview below. 

 

North Melbourne vs West Coast Predicted Teams

 

North Melbourne Predicted Team List

B: Charlie Comben, Toby Pink, Riley Hardeman

HB: Caleb Daniel, Aidan Corr, Harry Sheezel

C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Davies-Unaicke, Jy Simpkin 

HF: Paul Curtis, Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar

F: Finnbar Maley, Jack Darling, Jacob Konstanty

Foll: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Parker

Int: Finn O’Sullivan, Luke McDonald, Tom Powell, Colby McKercher, Zac Fisher

 

West Coast Predicted Team List

B: Ryan Maric, Harry Edwards, Reuben Ginbey

HB: Liam Duggan, Sandy Brock, Liam Baker

C: Jack Hutchinson, Tim Kelly, Jayden Hunt

HF: Jack Graham, Archer Reid, Elijah Hewett

F: Tyler Brockman, Oscar Allen, Jamie Cripps

Foll: Matt Flynn, Brady Hough, Harley Reid

Int: Noah Long, Tom Cole, Bailey Williams, Tyrell Dewar, Bo Allan

 

North Melbourne vs West Coast Prediction & Betting Tips

 

Head-to-Head Prediction

Both these sides have split the past 10 head-to-head battles at five games apiece.

Funnily enough, both these sides actually played at this ground in the pre-season this year, where the Eagles emerged as narrow victors. Not that pre-season form means anything, but it must have some bearing heading into a game at a largely unseen ground, especially when you’re searching for your second and third wins of the season respectively, these little things mean more. 

The Eagles were obliterated at stoppages by Geelong in the first half last week. Not that this is anything new, it has been cause for concern for a number of years. 

While Andrew McQualter has changed up his midfield mix in recent weeks and has started to show some signs of life, they still average the least contested possessions in the competition, and by a long way too. This will be a significant challenge against the Roos, where winning contested balls is one of the things they are good at.

This won’t be very high scoring or have much between them when the final siren sounds. This is a genuine coin flip for us. It just happened to land on the Roos when we tossed it.

Betting tip: Roos

 

First Goal Prediction

It will be interesting to see the reception former Eagle Jack Darling gets when he faces his former side for the first time. The side he played 298 games and kicked over 530 goals for.

He’s been a guiding presence for the young Roos key talls and a good help for Nick Larkey. But we’re backing him to kick a bag of his own against his former side, starting with the first of the game. 

Betting tip: Jack Darling

 

Most Disposals Prediction

Harry Sheezel has had 30+ disposals in all four career games vs West Coast.

There’s a question mark as to where he might line up to start the day and play the game, but there’s no question that he can find the footy against the Eagles. 

Betting tip: Harry Sheezel 30+ disposals

 

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs West Coast Eagles Match Details

 

Date: Sunday, June 8th

First Bounce: 3:20 PM, AEST

Location: Hands Oval, Bunbury

How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports