1. Normally when the Eagles get 55 inside 50 entries to the opposition’s 40 you can pencil in a comfortable victory for the blue and gold. Not this time. Even in the first quarter when Fremantle kicked a game-breaking eight goals to three, the advantage in their favour was 13-12. But it was where they were getting their shots that proved decisive and it resulted in 77 per cent scoring efficiency, which is remarkably high. Across the game, scoring efficiency was 32 to 48 and that hurt the cause immeasurably. In the third quarter, when the Eagles made their move, they enjoyed a 24-5 advantage in piercings of the attacking arc.

2. It wasn’t all about scoring efficiency, that was just part of the problem. Another part was the number of broken tackles, particularly in the first quarter. Again, the Eagles led the tackle count, but it was about the efficiency in that area and the Dockers walked through too many attempted tackles. The Eagles clamped on 73 tackles compared to 64 from the Dockers while the efficiency rating was 61% to 76% - another damaging discrepancy.

07:59

Highlights: Eagles v Dockers

Check out the highlights from RAC Derby 53

3. After the horrors of the first quarter, the Eagles fought their way back into the contest and the forwards had a strong say. Key targets Josh Kennedy, who was strong throughout, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen had an impact while both Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan were dangerous. Cripps, as has become customary, worked hard up and down the ground and was involved in 23 pressure acts. After copping a nasty whack to the teeth in the second term, he bravely returned and looked to have ignited the Eagles with a brilliant snap in the opening 30 seconds of the last quarter. After being reviewed the decision was over-turned, as the video umpire deemed it to be have been touched off the boot.

4. The first quarter is something Eagles fans would like to erase from the memory banks and the Eagles players might enjoy that opportunity too. After the first change, the defence tightened up all over the ground and when the ball did venture inside the back 50, the likes of Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass and Tom Cole were resolute. Cole is a player who has enjoyed strong growth through the year and used his speed and tenacity to impact the game in an offensive capacity as well.

01:30

Shuey post-match v Dockers

Eagles skipper Luke Shuey speaks to Eagles Media after our loss to the Dockers

5. Having watched Tim Kelly put on a clinic in the first RAC Derby of the season, the Dockers decided to sit Bailey Banfield on him. Despite the attention from Banfield, Kelly had some good moments before being subbed out with a knee injury that will rule him out this week and any finals matches should that eventuate. With Kelly off the ground captain Luke Shuey enjoyed the Banfield focus and he tried everything within his power to provide the stimulus for a remarkable victory.