Yeah, Mineral Resources Park is gonna be buzzing this Sunday. Why? Because Emma Swanson and Dana Hooker are strutting back into the lineup for the West Coast Eagles, and honestly, it couldn’t come at a better time. The Giants are rolling into town, and the Eagles? Well, they’re just begging for a spark.
Old Heads, Fresh Legs
Swanson’s done with her one-week “holiday” (let’s call that suspension what it is) and is slotting straight back into the backline. Calm under pressure, always yapping instructions—classic Swanson. Then you’ve got Hooker, finally shaking off that injury and hitting the wing again for the first time since, what, round two? Between them, they’ve played about a million games (okay, 130, but it feels like more) and racked up three club champion awards. Not exactly rookies, right? Coach Prior must be grinning ear to ear. Or at least exhaling.
Forward Line Takes a Hit
Look, not everything’s sunshine and rainbows. Kayla Dalgleish—the rookie who’s somehow jagged five goals in six games after getting drafted at pick 57—she’s out sick. That one stings. Leaves the forward line looking a bit, I dunno, undercooked? And if that’s not enough, Kayley Kavanagh is out too. Squad’s getting trimmed whether they like it or not.
Milestones? You Bet
But hey, every cloud, right? Kellie Gibson is about to chalk up her 50th in blue and gold. And Roxy Roux? That’s 50 career games for her as well. You know how footy players get—milestone games just hit different. Expect a little extra fire, a little more bump and grind.
Giants Aren’t Exactly Pushovers
Here’s the thing: GWS aren’t flying across the country just for the scenery. They’re actually in decent form, and with finals on the horizon, they’ll be frothing at the mouth to knock off the Eagles on their own patch. Swanson’s gonna have to be a brick wall down back, and the midfield? No snoozing allowed. Get jumped early and it could get ugly.
So, What’s the Go?
- Game: West Coast vs GWS Giants
- Round: 7
- Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Time: 3:05 p.m. local (or breakfast time if you’re on the east coast)
- Place: Mineral Resources Park, Perth
- Watch: Channel 7, 7plus if you’re in WA; Kayo and Fox Footy everywhere else
Honestly, this is the kind of match where every contest feels like a grand final. The Eagles need a win to keep the season alive. Giants want to lock in their spot near the top. All eyes should be glued to Swanson and Hooker—those two could flip the script and light this place up. So, yeah, buckle up.
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