AFL RECAP: West Coast Eagles host winless Richmond Tigers in must win clash

West Coast return to Optus in celebration of 40 years of AFL history and 20 years since their historic 2006 flag, with a win against Richmond non-negotiable. Follow all the action live!

Headshot of Jake Santa Maria
Jake Santa Maria
The West Australian
Noah Balta was magnificent.
Noah Balta was magnificent. Credit: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

AFL: West Coast return to Optus in celebration of 40 years of AFL history and 20 years since their historic 2006 flag, with a win against Richmond non-negotiable.

The Eagles are under massive pressure after a month of thrashings, including a 101-point mauling against St Kilda last weekend.

Richmond comes into the game without a win but will see this clash as their best chance to sing the song for the first time in 2026 with all the pressure on the Eagles.

Follow all the action live!

Celebrating 20 years since ‘06

In case you’re unaware it’s recognitionm round for the Eagles as they celebrate their 40 years in the AFL against the same team they faced in round one 1986.

It’s also 20 years from the 2006 flag with that team in attendance today and we’ll be doing a lap of honour at half time.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to Optus Stadium, where West Coast take on Richmond in the battle of the rebuilds.

It’s been an awful month on the field for the Eagles, who have copped four straight hidings, including two 100-point thrashings to undo alot of goodwill they built up with their two wins.

The Tigers are winless and have been ravaged by injury, so all the pressure is on the Eagles to get it done today, especially in front of their 2006 premiership side.

There are no late changes as we’re about 40 minutes away from the first ball-up.

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