The West Coast Eagles have narrowly and unexpectedly cheated death twice in a row. Can they do it again a third time when they play the GWS Giants?
The Eagles were lucky to make it to this finals campaign at all – only a surprise Round 23 loss from Melbourne gave them a chance.
They took that chance with both hands and defeated the minor premiers in the final round, scraping through by just enough to make the final eight.
Most fans probably would’ve been happy enough with the achievement of making finals from that unlikely position, but the Eagles showed last Saturday they still have more shots to fire.
In probably the most remarkable game of the season, they won with an after-the-siren goal from Luke Shuey in extra time.
At the same ground two nights earlier the GWS Giants were comfortably beaten by the Adelaide Crows, setting them up for this home semi-final.
The game didn’t go well for the Giants. They were never really in the contest after letting things slip in the second quarter.
Worse than that though is the fact that both Shane Mumford and Jeremy Cameron suffered season-ending injuries.
They’re both out for the Giants this week, but they’ve brought in Tim Taranto and Steve Johnson to cover.
West Coast have made only one change, dropping Luke Partington to replace him with Sharrod Wellingham.
While the balance of the ledger between these two sides is very much in West Coast’s favour, it has turned the Giants’ way this year.
GWS had not beaten the Eagles when this season started, but have done so twice this year and now will be confident of a third.
Although the Giants have their worries, the Eagles will be exhausted making another lengthy interstate trip after an extra-time game last week.
$3.60 for GWS to win by 40+ is a little bit of a flyer, but looks like a strong possibility.
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