afl pre season

Eagles Gear Up for Grand Final Showdown: Final Pre-Season Match Against Port Adelaide

With the 2024 AFL season fast approaching, West Coast Eagles are sharpening their edge in what promises to be a pivotal pre-season match against Port Adelaide Power. The highly anticipated clash serves as the team’s last tune-up before Round One kicks off—a moment fans have been eagerly anticipating after a mixed bag of form and injury concerns during the pre-season.

This final pre-season outing is more than just another practice game; it's a crucial stepping stone for the Eagles as they look to fine-tune their squad ahead of a season where expectations remain cautiously optimistic. For Port Adelaide, meanwhile, it’s an opportunity to build momentum after a strong start to training camp and maintain pressure on their rivals ahead of a tight finals race.

Key Absences Shape the Lineup

One of the most significant talking points leading into Saturday’s match is the absence of two key players from the Eagles’ side. According to verified reports from Zero Hanger, star defender Nic Naitanui and veteran midfielder Luke Shuey will both sit out due to minor injuries sustained during recent training sessions. Both have been instrumental figures in the club’s campaigns over the past decade—Naitanui known for his elite defensive reads and explosive running ability, while Shuey brings consistency and leadership from the midfield.

Their unavailability has prompted coach Adam Simpson to reshuffle the backline and give opportunities to younger talent. Rising stars such as Tom Barrasso and Oscar Allen are expected to feature prominently, offering fresh legs and tactical flexibility. While Simpson remained tight-lipped about specific changes during Thursday’s press conference, he emphasized that every player must seize their chance.

“We’ve got depth across the park,” Simpson said. “It’s about finding combinations that work under pressure. This game gives us a chance to test those ideas in real time.”

Match Preview: What to Watch For

According to the official match preview published by the West Coast Eagles’ website, Saturday’s fixture will focus heavily on execution under fatigue—a scenario that closely mirrors actual AFL matches. With limited time on field together, coaches are prioritizing decision-making, communication, and positional discipline.

Port Adelaide enters the match with confidence following a dominant display in their previous pre-season encounter against Fremantle. Led by captain Travis Boak and supported by emerging talents like Ollie Wines and Zak Butters, the Power boast a potent midfield capable of controlling the tempo.

For West Coast, the challenge lies in balancing aggression with composure. Their forwards, including Jack Darling and Liam Ryan, showed glimpses of synergy in earlier trials but will need to convert scoring chances consistently against Port’s experienced back six.

Historical Context: A Rivalry Revived

Though not traditionally one of the AFL’s fiercest rivalries, the contest between West Coast and Port Adelaide has gained renewed relevance in recent years. Both clubs have invested heavily in youth development and high-performance programs, making their head-to-head meetings increasingly competitive.

Historically, Port Adelaide holds a slight edge in overall wins, but West Coast has dominated when stakes are high—including a memorable preliminary final victory in 2018. That win propelled the Eagles deep into the finals and remains etched in memory among supporters.

This year’s pre-season meeting carries symbolic weight too. It comes at a crossroads for both teams: Port aims to solidify its top-four ambitions after falling short last season, while West Coast seeks to rebound from a disappointing 12th-place finish and reignite its premiership aspirations.

Broader Implications for the AFL Season

While pre-season games rarely determine championship outcomes, they play a critical role in shaping team identity and strategy. Coaches use these fixtures to assess fitness levels, test new structures, and identify potential breakout players.

For West Coast, this match could influence how they approach Round One—particularly whether they opt for a more expansive game plan or double down on defensive resilience. Given their injury woes, rotation and squad depth will be under scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide’s performance may signal their readiness for the physical demands of the regular season. With several key players returning from long-term injuries (including Hamish Brayshaw), the Power have a genuine shot at challenging for the flag.

Recent Developments and Timeline

Here’s a chronological summary of key events leading up to Saturday’s match:

• February 10: Pre-season training begins at Leederville Oval. Initial fitness tests reveal minor hamstring issues for Naitanui and calf strain for Shuey.
• February 15: First trial match vs. Fremantle ends in narrow loss for West Coast. Forward line struggles to convert set shots.
• February 19: Port Adelaide dominates Fremantle in trial two, showcasing improved midfield cohesion.
• February 21: Zero Hanger publishes article confirming Naitanui and Shuey will miss final pre-season match due to precautionary reasons.
• February 22: Official match preview released by westcoasteagles.com.au highlights focus on defensive transitions and forward pressure.
• February 23: Live blog by The West Australian announces broadcast details and fan engagement initiatives for the final tune-up.

Immediate Effects and Fan Reactions

Supporters have responded positively to the lineup changes, with many expressing excitement over opportunities for younger players. Social media buzz around #EaglesPreSeason has reached peak activity, particularly among die-hard fans who value developmental progress over short-term results.

However, some traditionalists remain skeptical. “Losing our leaders in a meaningless game feels like wasted preparation,” wrote one user on Reddit’s r/AFL. Others countered that adversity breeds growth: “If we can win without Shuey and Naitanui, that’s a sign we’re building something sustainable.”

Off-field, the match has also boosted local attendance projections. Ticket sales for the event have exceeded expectations, reflecting renewed enthusiasm following months of uncertainty.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

After Saturday’s clash, West Coast will turn its attention entirely to preparation for Round One against Geelong at Optus Stadium—a rematch of last year’s elimination final, which ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Eagles.

Port Adelaide faces Greater Western Sydney next weekend, another marker of their ambitions this season.

Both teams know that while pre-season results don’t count toward ladder points, they shape momentum, confidence, and tactical clarity. In a league as unpredictable as the AFL, those intangibles can make all the difference come September.

As kickoff approaches, one thing is certain: the Eagles aren’t treating this final tune-up lightly. With pride, positioning, and playoff hopes on the line, expect fireworks—even in February.

For live updates, visit thewest.com.au/sport/west-coast-eagles/afl-pre-season-live-scores.

Follow official match commentary via westcoasteagles.com.au.

Additional reporting contributed by Zero Hanger.