Written to appease a certain disgruntled Sturt supporter with apparently no friends ...Probably the biggest game of the year for both clubs.
The Eagles can just about sew up 3rd spot with a win, but have come off a very ordinary month and must be down on confidence.
The Bays however, have come off an atrocious start to the season with fitness and form to key players, a change of coach, and severe inconsistency in performance. There is indeed some considerable talent a Brighton Rd, but the team has been playing as a bunch of individuals with little purpose.
Now, whilst a win against an undermanned and down West does not make a season, the signs last week were very encouraging.
After the 'shock' of the change in senior coach, the players are warming to the associated change in message from the new coach. They are now encouraged to take risks, to go more direct, to play for each other. Science and AFL game plans have gone out the window. There is a new buzz and an air of expectation. There is now an open display of self belief.
This is by far the most important game that the Bays will play so far this season. A win will not only deliver a surge in confidence but an increase of that self belief that had mystifyingly gone missing in the past 3 months.
A win will also begin the process of solidifying a spot in the 5 ... amazingly a win will deliver 4th spot and a position the Bays solitary point behind 3rd (abeit after playing one more game)

The season will be alive once more.
A loss will condemn the team to a long battle for a spot in the finals, and the formal realisation that this season is now a lost cause.
Why will the Bays win? ... because key players like Mules, Allen and Rudolph are finding form fast. Because Todd Grima and Kirkby are starting to gel again up forward. Because that hard at the ball mentality that has defined this team over the past 5 years is returning. Because the self belief is coming back. Because they are now playing for each other.
It will not be easy. The Eagles will be desperate to get their season back on track and they will be desperate to achieve this.
It all points to a game that supporters of both clubs should make every effort to attend.
No prediction of the margin from me ... anything from a Marker to a Twelftree will suit me fine.
Dunno, I’m just an idiot.