PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Reuben Ginbey of the Eagles with the fans after the loss during the 2025 AFL Round 22 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)
The West Coast Eagles are gearing up for a significant challenge as they prepare to face the Western Bulldogs this Sunday at Marvel Stadium. With a beleaguered backline, the Eagles must confront a powerful Bulldogs attack led by standout forwards Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton. The task is daunting, as the Bulldogs are currently the highest-scoring team in the Australian Football League (AFL), averaging an impressive 108 points per game.
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has expressed confidence in his young defender Reuben Ginbey, who has shown promise this season despite facing off against some of the league’s top power forwards. The Eagles’ defensive woes have been exacerbated by the absence of Harry Edwards, who will sit out for a second consecutive week due to a foot injury, as well as the mid-season retirement of five-time All-Australian Jeremy McGovern due to concussion issues. Additionally, the departure of premiership backman Tom Barrass to Hawthorn in last year’s trade period further complicates their defensive strategy.
The Bulldogs’ formidable duo, Darcy at 208 cm and Naughton at 196 cm, have combined for over 100 goals this season, while debutant Jordan Croft, standing at 201 cm, has made a strong impression in the VFL, scoring six goals in his last two games. This leaves West Coast’s backline undersized and under pressure, with players like Sandy Brock (198 cm), Rhett Bazzo (195 cm), and Ginbey (191 cm) tasked with containing the Bulldogs’ towering forwards.
Former Eagles star Glen Jakovich suggested that Brock should initially take on Darcy, who has recorded 45 goals in just 15 games this season. Jakovich emphasized the need for support from the midfield to limit Darcy’s influence. “These are the challenges you want week-to-week,” Jakovich stated. “If you want to be a good team and a good player, these are the teams you have to beat.”
The Eagles’ defense demonstrated some growth in their recent match against the Adelaide Crows, managing to hold the league leaders to under 100 points for the first time in five games. Jakovich noted, “They showed some grit… they’re going to need some support,” recognizing the importance of a strong midfield presence to restrict the Bulldogs’ scoring opportunities.
Ginbey has faced significant challenges this season, often giving away height but effectively limiting the impact of forwards like Adelaide’s Riley Thilthorpe, who he restricted to only one goal in the first three quarters of their last match. McQualter remains optimistic about Ginbey’s ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents like Naughton and Darcy. “Reuben will get one of those guys,” he confirmed, acknowledging the varied challenges Ginbey has successfully navigated this season.
As the Eagles prepare for this crucial match, their ability to adapt and rise above the challenges posed by the Bulldogs will be key to their performance. Fans will be watching closely to see if West Coast can maintain their defensive integrity and generate enough support from their midfield to counteract the Bulldogs’ potent attack.
