The West Coast Eagles were out-run, out-worked and out-gunned in the RAC Derby as Fremantle strode to a 55-point victory at Optus Stadium.

After a competitive first half the Eagles ran out of gas in the second half as they slipped to a second consecutive derby loss – 15.12 (102) to 7.5 (47).

While the Eagles depth has been tested in recent weeks, with mass changes required as players observed AFL health and safety protocols the ‘second tier’ players could not offer the required assistance to the senior group.

Conversely, the Fremantle collective was overwhelming with an even team performance as they ran in irresistible waves, eventually breaking the Eagles defensive wall.

The first 50 minutes of the game were an arm wrestle with both teams struggling to string together chains of meaningful football.

Something had to give and eventually it was the Eagles as Fremantle took advantage of the ground level ball, kicking three goals deep into the quarter to establish a 34-point half-time break.

Their small forwards Lachie Schultz and Michael Frederick loomed as dangerous options as the Eagles defensive unit generally ruled the air.

Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn mopped up everything in the Eagles back half and with veterans Jack Redden and Andrew Gaff winning plenty of ball, they kept the Eagles in the game. Unfortunately, there was not enough support for that group.

Key forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling worked hard but there were too many scrambled forward entries which made life tough for the attacking spearheads.

Hugh Dixon was a strong ruck ally for Nic Naitanui, but the Eagles were out-pointed around the ground.

They would need to turn that around in the second half to remain a chance of victory.

The required response came in the opening minute of the second half when they capitalised on successive centre clearances and goals to Jack Petruccelle and Nic Naitanui which saw the Eagles find  another gear.

That momentum swing was to be short-lived.

After the second of those goals young Fremantle midfielder Darcy Tucker took a nasty and concerning fall and lay on the ground during a five-minute delay receiving considered medical attention.

Although the Eagles produced a stronger effort they lost the quarter and trailed by 36 points at the last change.

Fremantle asserted their superiority thereafter.

Details
Fremantle                           2.4          6.6          9.10        15.12     102
West Coast Eagles            1.2          1.2          4.4            7.5        47
Goals – Fremantle: Taberner 3; Frederick, Lobb, Schultz 2; Colyer, Acres, Walters, Banfield, O’Driscoll, Switkowski. West Coast Eagles: Kennedy 2; Naitanui, Petruccelle, Nelson, Ryan Darling.
Best – Fremantle: Schultz, Ryan, Brayshaw, Clark, Acres, Chapman.  West Coast Eagles: Hurn, McGovern, Gaff, Redden, Witherden, Dixon.
Injuries: West Coast Eagles – J Jones (hamstring) replaced by J Waterman. Fremantle – D Tucker (neck) replaced by B Banfield.
Attendance: 38920
Glendinning/Allan Medal: L Schultz (Fremantle)