Thursday’s AFL 2018 Round 14 match is between West Coast Eagles and Essendon Bombers. The opening kick is set to commence at 20:10 local time with the game to be played at Optus Stadium. The home team West Coast Eagles are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between West Coast Eagles and Essendon Bombers.
When: 20:10 | Thursday 21/06/2018
Where: Optus Stadium
Preview:
The Eagles’ ability to hit the scoreboard hurt them against the Swans but they shouldn’t have any issues hitting the scoreboard against the Bombers at home
With Jack Darling already out and a fitness cloud hanging over Josh Kennedy, the Eagles will probably go smaller in their forward line and be more reliant on Scott Lycett who has been in good form this year.
Essendon are most dangerous when they run from half-back and move the ball quickly.
You would think that would be their plan again on Thursday night.
KEY BATTLE: Cale Hooker v Josh Kennedy/Scott Lycett
Hooker is one of Essendon’s key players and has been doing a good job on the opposition forwards.
The Verdict
West Coast are nearly impossible to beat at home and they’ll bounce back.
Nic Naitanui has been the first goal-scorer in two of West Coast’s last five home matches.
Unibet Odds:
West Coast at $1.20
Essendon at $5.20
Odds:
Tip: West Coast Eagles at $1.21
Value Bet: First Goal Scorer: William Rioli at $18.00
More Info:
Teams:
West Coast Eagles: 
B: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard
HB: Lewis Jetta, Jeremy McGovern, Thomas Cole
C: Chris Masten, Elliot Yeo, Andrew Gaff
HF: Mark Hutchings, Jake Waterman, Mark LeCras
F: Liam Ryan, Fraser McInnes, Jamie Cripps
FOLL: Nic Naitanui, Jack Redden, Luke Shuey
I/C: Liam Duggan, Scott Lycett, Jackson Nelson, Willie Rioli
EMG: Dom Sheed, Jarrod Brander, Jack Petruccelle, Brendon Ah Chee
IN: Will Schofield, Mark Hutchings, Fraser McInnes
OUT: Dom Sheed, Josh J. Kennedy (Injured), Jarrod Brander.
Essendon Bombers: 
B: Matt Dea, Cale Hooker, Zach Merrett
HB: Adam Saad, Mitch Brown, Michael Hurley
C: Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard, Andrew McGrath
HF: Devon Smith, Shaun McKernan, Conor McKenna
F: Mark Baguley, Jake Stringer, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
FOLL: Tom Bellchambers, Kyle Langford, Orazio Fantasia
I/C: Mason Redman, David Myers, Matt Guelfi, Josh Green
EMG: James Stewart, Jackson Merrett, Dylan Clarke, Aaron Francis
No Change.
AFL News:
West Coast will be without their two best forwards against Essendon on Thursday night after Josh Kennedy joined Jack Darling on the club’s injury list.
Kennedy suffered a hairline fracture to his right leg in last week’s loss to Sydney, and hasn’t been able to recover in time to face the Bombers.
Coach Adam Simpson is confident the injury isn’t serious, predicting Kennedy will miss between one to three weeks.
But Kennedy’s absence against the Bombers at Optus Stadium will leave a major void, especially with Darling (ankle) still sidelined.
Kennedy (29 goals) and Darling (28) have kicked the bulk of West Coast’s goals this season.
Simpson said the team’s forward line will lean heavily on the leadership of Mark LeCras given that both Kennedy and Darling are missing.
Kennedy’s injury could open the door for former Cat Nathan Vardy to return to the side.
Vardy was cut down by a pre-season groin injury, but is now fit and could slot into the forward line.
Fraser McInnes, Oscar Allen, and Brendon Ah Chee are other options to come into the side.
Simpson is also considering swinging Jeremy McGovern forward, or giving ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett more time in attack.
“We’ve got to get on with life without JK or Jack Darling,” Simpson said.
“We’ll get a glimpse of the future this weekend.
“Someone mentioned it was 2011 when we didn’t have at least one of them (playing).
“It’s going to be a challenge for us.
“Replacing Kennedy and Darling is difficult, but we’ve got to find a way.”
Simpson doesn’t want Eagles fans to worry too much about Kennedy’s injury.
“I think it was just a collision injury. No twists or turning,” Simpson said.
“It was a massive corky really, and there just happens to be a tiny hairline fracture in the bone in the side of the leg
“He might be right for next week, it’s that small.”
West Coast’s 10-game winning streak was brought to a half by Sydney last week, but they will start as hot favourites against the Bombers (5-7).
