<p>The wait for the West Coast Eagles (who will be known as Waalitj Marawar throughout the Indigenous Rounds) to secure their first win of the season has extended into another week.&nbsp;</p> <p>Oh, Eagles fans… we truly empathize with you. This must be so painstaking. Every footy fan who has supported a struggling club understands exactly what coach Andrew McQualter was feeling when the cameras panned to his reaction in the box when youngster Tom Gross was caught holding the ball in the dying moments against the Tigers at the G last Sunday.&nbsp;</p> <p>Yet, despite the agonizing loss— the second close one within the past month—‘Mini’s’ Eagles are beginning to show signs of improvement and vigour, albeit without closing the deal.</p> <p>They get another opportunity this week as they return home to face St Kilda (who will be known as Euro-Yroke for the Indigenous Round) and have yet another shot at securing that elusive victory.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Saints suddenly find themselves at risk of losing touch with the top eight after dropping four of their past five matches. They had opportunities late against the Blues last week in Spud’s Game but couldn't establish a strong footing in the match after the initial 10 minutes, despite shooting out of the blocks with the first two goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>This leaves them among the group of teams sitting at 4-5, on the outside of the top eight looking in. While they head to Perth with confidence that they can steady the ship, this presents one of those old-fashioned banana peel games that teams like the Saints have notoriously overlooked in the past.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the Eagles might receive a significant boost in the form of key defender Jeremy McGovern. The champion still needs to pass through concussion protocols to take his place, but having him back would be a considerable advantage for the Eagles. Skipper Oscar Allen is also a potential returnee after being a late withdrawal for the Tigers game.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Saints will need to make a forced change to their backline after defender Dougal Howard injured his hamstring late in the game against the Blues, ruling him out for the next six weeks. Mason Wood has a chance to return after a concussion, while veteran Zak Jones’ excellent performance in the VFL for Sandy (30 possessions and three goals) will be hard to ignore.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Eagles vs Saints prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs St Kilda Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>West Coast Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Reuben Ginbey, Jeremy McGovern, Brady Hough</p> <p>HB: Liam Duggan, Sandy Brock, Liam Baker</p> <p>C: Jayden Hunt, Harley Reid, Jack Hutchinson</p> <p>HF: Jamie Cripps, Jake Waterman, Liam Ryan</p> <p>F: Archer Reid, Oscar Allen, Jack Graham</p> <p>Foll: Matt Flynn, Tim Kelly, Elijah Hewett</p> <p>Int: Tyler Brockman, Matt Owies, Bailey Williams, Tom Gross, Harry Edwards</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>St Kilda Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Liam Stocker, Anthony Caminiti, Jimmy Webster</p> <p>HB: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Callum Wilkie, Jack Sinclair</p> <p>C: Darcy Wilson, Mattaes Phillipou, Bradley Hill</p> <p>HF: Max Hall, Mason Wood, Mitch Owens</p> <p>F: Dan Butler, Cooper Sharman, Jack Higgins</p> <p>Foll: Rowan Marshall, Jack Steele, Jack Macrae</p> <p>Int: Liam O’Connell, Ryan Byrnes, Marcus Windhager, Hugh Boxshall, Hugo Garcia</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast vs St Kilda Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Saints, like most clubs, have enjoyed significant recent success against the Eagles, winning five out of their past six head-to-head matches.</p> <p>This includes the last four matches, three of which were victories at Optus Stadium.</p> <p>If Waalitj Marawar are going to register their much-needed first win, they’ll need their engine room to fire up once again, just as they did against the Tigers. They edged the Tigers 35-34 in clearances and dominated center clearances 16-9, mainly due to the sharp work of Harley Reid (who is building nicely into his season), Brady Hough, Tyler Brockman, and Liam Ryan, who is fit again and back in the middle.&nbsp;</p> <p>They will also be looking for ruck duo Matt Flynn and Bailey Williams to back up a strong showing against another quality ruckman in Rowan Marshall.&nbsp;</p> <p>Euro-Yroke has covered the line in five of the past six games against the Eagles. We’re expecting them to do the same here this time around in a low-scoring and hard-fought game.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-st-kilda-9186711">Saints</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Jake Waterman has backed up his All-Australian 2024 year with a strong 2025 start to the year. Despite missing three games, He’s managed to kick 12 goals from six games, averaging two a game in his last five matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>While he hasn’t had a good go of it against the Saints in recent times, only kicking two goals in his past five matches against Euro-Yroke,&nbsp; his form at home has been strong this year with seven goals from his past two games at Optus. We’re looking at him to strike first.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-st-kilda-9186711">Jake Waterman</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Euro-Yroke star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has become one of the most damaging halfbacks in the game. The 22-year-old is averaging 27.7 possessions and five rebound 50s per game and is one of the guys that his teammates love giving the ball to because of just how beautifully he uses it.</p> <p>Fresh off a 30+ possession game last week against the Blues, we think he’s going big again. Start measuring that blazer on him for the end of the season!</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/west-coast-eagles-v-st-kilda-9186711">Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>West Coast Eagles vs St Kilda Saints Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Sunday, May 18th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>4:40 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Optus Stadium, Perth</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>