We'll endeavour to run through the form, incorporate appropriate stats and also supply a betting prediction which won't always just be who will win.

WEST COAST v CARLTON

Saturday 29 April @ Optus Stadium

Of all this week's games where some psychological energies will be required, then this one will be right up near the top.

Few thought West Coast would be a factor in 2023, most thought Carlton would. Now both are spiralling without much sign of positive thoughts as momentum is not wearing their colours.

For the Eagles, despite a reasonably close first stanza to Port Adelaide, the ball ended up being controlled by the teal and black side thereafter and literally the difference in the second quarter was the difference at the end.

It is often funny how one side dominates a game for a shorter period of time and by the finish, that condensed period of time is the final margin.

Tim Kelly is putting in his best season when at West Coast but it still isn't being aided by those around him. Of course he is missing many troops as they come and go.

It's like the hokey pokey. You put your Luke Shueys in, you put your Elliot Yeos out. There has at least been a bit of continuity up forward with Darling, Allen and Waterman there. But they need the ball more often.

There is some chance that could occur here as Carlton has lost the plot.

Since that win over Geelong, who weren't going well at the time, they've scrambled home over GWS, just done enough over North and lost comprehensively to Adelaide and St Kilda.

It's probably lucky they do run into West Coast now as a match as opposed to Brisbane or Geelong or Collingwood who could bury them.

The strange thing was they were right in the match beginning the second half. But the Saints upped the pressure and the Blues did not respond.

It would not be often a side has four players with 34+ possessions and loses, leave alone loses by near 4 goals.

Either there is too much disposal gathering and not enough ground gaining. Cerra, Walsh (who has returned manfully), Cripps and Hewett simply have to get the ball moving.

When you have two Coleman Medallists waiting for it, just pump it in there fast. OK you may not get the desired results if they kick like they are but they might be in-play goals and not set shots.

Carlton's record in Perth is not the best. It is 3 of 7 but they did give the Eagles a 10 goal thrashing last year. Giving them one more chance given the opposition but it wouldn't want to come down to a final quarter effort or the barbs will be flying.

Match Selection: Carlton by 24 points

Suggested Bets: Sam Walsh 35+ possessions @ $2.40