GAME DAY: West Coast v Hawthorn at Domain Stadium | 3AW Radio
THE WASH-UP: Former Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews knows full well that all is not lost for Hawthorn as they search for a third straight flag.
Matthews was coach of Brisbane’s three-peat of 2001-03, and parallels between the two champion sides are beginning to show.
Brisbane also finished 3rd in 2003, and lost their Qualifying Final to Collingwood, before recovering to win the flag.
‘The morning after that final, we were a mile from being Premiers,’ Matthews said on Saturday afternoon.
‘Michael Voss could hardly walk. His knee looked like it was gone.
‘They’re going to have to do it the hard way, but they can turn it around.’
LISTEN: Leigh Matthews, Bomber Thompson, and Caroline Wilson discuss West Coast’s win over Hawthorn
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FULL TIME: West Coast has earned a week off with a convincing 32-point win over the reigning Premier.
Josh Kennedy booted three goals in the second term, in which the Eagles opened up a match-winning lead.
Ni Naitanui was also influential as the dominant ruckman on the ground.
LISTEN: 3AW Football’s analysis of the Eagles’ big win
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HALF TIME: West Coast has kicked away to a 32-point lead.
The Eagles booted five unanswered goals in the second term – Josh Kennedy with three – to break the game right open.
LISTEN: Shawry and the call team assess the first half
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The stakes don’t get much higher as the Eagles host the Hawks in the Qualifying Final.
A week off and a home Preliminary Final awaits the winner, while the loser must face either Adelaide or the Western Bulldogs in a do-or-die clash.
If West Coast is to win tonight, Hawthorn would have to travel again for the Preliminary Final, should they make it.
LISTEN: Hear from Hawthorn assistant Cameron Bruce before the game
The Eagles could be dealt a heavy blow in the lead-up to the match, with queries over the fitness of Brownlow Medalist Matt Priddis.
Already missing Chris Masten (hamstring), Priddis’ withdrawal would be a hefty blow to the Eagles’ chances.
LISTEN: Hear from West Coast assistant Brady Rawlings before the clash
Who will win this all-important clash of the Big Birds?
Join the best commentary team in the game on 3AW Football.
TODAY’S LINE-UP from 6PM: Tony Shaw, Caroline Wilson, Dwayne Russell, Bruce Eva, and Sam ‘Scoop’ McClure.
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