Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, April 3, 4.20pm AWST
TV: Live on 7mate, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: Fremantle 12.7 (79) def. West Coast 9.10 (64) at Optus Stadium, round 22, 2021
The Eagles’ 11-game RAC Derby winning streak came to an end in gut-wrenching fashion after fighting back from a 44-point deficit in the second quarter and threatening a memorable triumph. The Dockers burst out of the blocks with an eight-goal-to-three opening term that left West Coast with too much to do, despite the best efforts of forward trio Josh Kennedy, Liam Ryan and Jack Darling, who combined for eight majors, and the tireless midfield led by Andrew Gaff and Jack Redden.
What it means for the Eagles: Not since 2010 has West Coast started a season 0-3 and the Eagles will be desperate to get on the board against their crosstown rivals. There have been obvious reasons for a challenging opening to the 2022 campaign, however the team have been highly competitive in both outings and will expect nothing less than a ferocious and committed effort in front of the blue and gold faithful at Optus Stadium.
The stat: West Coast leads the head-to-head RAC Derby record 32-21 heading into the 54th crosstown clash.
The match-up: Jack Redden v Andrew Brayshaw
They might not go one-on-one but the impact both midfielders could have on the outcome makes them pivotal players on Sunday. Redden started the year brilliantly with 28 disposals against Gold Coast before missing round two due to the Health and Safety Protocols, and he returns to a decimated engine room without Luke Shuey (AFL Health and Safety Protocols), Tim Kelly (hamstring), Elliot Yeo (calf) or Dom Sheed, while Brayshaw has been in stellar form for Fremantle, picking up 68 possessions in the first two rounds, and will have a big role to play with the Dockers missing skipper Nat Fyfe (back), ruck Sean Darcy (ankle), Caleb Serong (knee) and David Mundy (Health and Safety Protocols).
It’s a big week for: Hugh Dixon
The ex-Dockers tall forward will return from the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols and face his former side for the first time – not including two pre-season games – in the heat of AFL battle. His ability to back-up ruck Nic Naitanui could be important, and he will add an extra dimension to the attack alongside twin towers Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
Big call: Veteran spearhead Kennedy to wind back the clock and kick four match-defining goals on his way to a record-equalling fourth Glendinning-Allan Medal.
