Labelling something a ‘certainty’ in any sport is fraught with danger.
But we’ll attempt to find some anyway.
Here is what we consider certainties for West Coast's clash against Richmond:
Jack Darling to kick multiple goals
The 29-year-old has had a slow start to the year, kicking just five goals from five matches as he builds fitness at senior level after vaccine hesitancy saw him miss a large chunk of pre-season.
Jack Darling has enjoyed playing Richmond as of late – no player in the match up has kicked more goals (11) in the last five times it has been held.
If anything is certain, it’s that Darling will kick multiple goals for just the second time this year and continue his good recent form against the Tigers.
Greg Clark to have at least 15 touches on debut
It has been a tough year for West Coast so far, but there’s a genuine feel-good story to get excited about as mature-aged recruit Greg Clark makes his debut.
The 24-year-old was best afield in last year’s WAFL Grand Final and could not be in better shape to come in and make an immediate impact.
Plenty of people in Perth have high hopes for Clark, who has had to wait a long time before finally being given an opportunity at AFL level.
On the Friday night stage against Richmond, the stage is set for him to prove his worth early.
Laurence Rosen
Dion Prestia to have 25+ disposals
Prestia has strung some strong form together over the past three weeks after a wretched injury run, racking up 30, 27 and 27 disposals.
The 29-year-old is a key on-baller for the Tigers, and Trent Cotchin being managed by the club should help him two-fold.
He’s now likely to spend more time through the midfield, while Cotchin’s absence also suggests the Tigers have faith that Prestia is over his injury concerns and able to run out the game.
He’ll have every chance to reach 25 possessions once again against a relatively weak Eagles midfield.
Toby Nankervis to be the most dominant ruckman on the ground
Nankervis has flown under the radar in a sense so far in 2022, putting up good numbers in his first year of the captaincy.
The 27-year-old stands at 199cm and knows how to throw his weight around and dominate ruck contests.
Meanwhile, the Eagles’ ruck stocks are currently in serious strife.
Luke Strnadica and Bailey Williams shared the duties against the Power, where second-game ruckman Sam Hayes recorded 47 hit-outs in a dominant performance.
Expect Nankervis to record well over 30 hit-outs and be a big presence around the ground.
Seb Mottram