GWS Giants vs West Coast Eagles Preview
Expect the big names to shine in the Round 23 match between the Giants and the Eagles, with Toby Greene, Harley Reid and Lachie Whitfield capable of putting on a show at ENGIE Stadium.
A top 10 spot for GWS is unlikely but still a mathematical possibility if other results fall their way. The Giants have battled for consistency all season, with their best producing impressive wins over Fremantle, Brisbane and Geelong, while their worst was exposed in a disappointing loss to Essendon. West Coast sit 16th with a 4-17 record, but their nine-match losing streak does not tell the full story, with six of those defeats coming by fewer than 24 points.
The Eagles pushed Collingwood last weekend and again showed enough to suggest they can remain competitive with the start. Harley Reid is playing the best football of his career, collecting 30 disposals against the Magpies after 34 against Richmond, and has averaged 31 disposals across his past three matches. Reid 30+ disposals looks a strong play as he continues to flourish with greater midfield responsibility.
For GWS, this shapes as a game for their established stars to take control. Lachie Whitfield has recorded 26+ disposals in seven of his past nine matches, while Toby Greene remains their most consistent avenue to goal, kicking 2+ in eight of his past nine for 22 goals. Greene can ooze class against the Eagles with 2+ goals, with 3+ also worth considering, while Whitfield 25+ disposals rounds out the player props.
- Eight of the Giants past nine matches have been decided by less than 24 points.
- West Coast have lost nine matches in a row with six of those decided by less than 24
- Toby Greene has kicked 2+ goals in eight if his past nine matches for a total of 22 in that period.
- Harley Reid is averaging 31 disposals in the past three rounds.
Head to Head
West Coast produced an upset win in the Round 10 clash over in Perth this season by 17 points but the Giants won the three prior to that by an average of 68 points. It was an 81-point margin the last time the two sides played at the venue.
Standout player performances in the recent head to heads have come from:
- Harley Reid (Eagles)- 34 disposals in the most recent meeting and at least 24 in his past three against the Giants.
- Clayton Oliver (Giants)- 38 disposals in the Round 10 match against the Eagles this season.
- Lachie Ash (Giants)- 29+ in his past three against the Eagles
- Jake Waterman (Eagles)- eight goals in his past three against the Giants
GWS Giants Form Analysis
GWS are out of finals contention with a 9-12 record after last weekend’s two-point loss to Gold Coast. The Giants have lost three of their past four matches, while eight of their past nine have been decided by fewer than 24 points, with GWS losing six of those close contests.
The Giants return to ENGIE Stadium, where they are 4-3 this season and have been involved in some high-scoring football. GWS are averaging over 100 points at the venue in 2026, with the total points across those six matches averaging 193. They had opportunities against Gold Coast, generating plenty of front-half turnovers, but could not capitalise in the difficult conditions.
Lachie Whitfield had 26 disposals against the Suns and has reached that mark in seven of his past nine matches. Max Gruzewski, Toby Greene and Aaron Cadman kicked two goals each, with Greene continuing an excellent run in front of goal. The Giants captain has kicked 2+ goals in eight of his past nine matches, booting 22 goals across that period.
GWS Giants Team News
GWS suffered two significant injury concerns against Gold Coast, with Jayden Laverde forced out with a rib injury and Toby Bedford sidelined with a lower-back issue. Both were described as sore after the match and will need to prove their fitness ahead of Round 23. Their availability will shape the Giants’ changes, while Conor Stone and Oskar Taylor are among those that may be rewarded with selecton, given their solid form in the VFL
West Coast Eagles Form Analysis
West Coast have a 4-17 win-loss record and have now lost nine matches in a row, although their recent form has been far more competitive than that streak suggests. Six of those nine defeats have been by fewer than 24 points, with the Eagles throwing away a golden opportunity against Richmond a fortnight ago before going down by 11 points.
The Eagles again pushed quality opposition last weekend, going down to Collingwood after remaining in the contest deep into the final quarter. West Coast produced some of their most threatening attacking football of the season, using quick handball chains through the middle, but a costly third-quarter lapse allowed the Magpies to break the game open. Andrew McQualter was encouraged by the spirit shown and believes his young side are continuing to make significant progress despite not turning competitive performances into wins.
Harley Reid had 30 disposals and six clearances despite battling through a corked leg and has now recorded 29+ disposals in three consecutive matches, averaging 31 across that period. Elliot Yeo also returned to some of his best football with 28 disposals and 11 clearances, while Jake Waterman kicked three goals and has now booted 11 from his past four matches
West Coast Eagles Team News
West Coast reported no match-ending injuries from the loss to Collingwood, although Reid played through a painful corked leg. Elijah Hewett is pushing for selection bit had just 15 disposals in the WAFL last weekend. Fin Macrae and Matt Flynn continue to play solid football at that level.