Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, August 13, 5.40pm
TV: Live on 7mate in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.
Last time we met: West Coast 7.5 (47) def. by Fremantle 15.12 (102) at Optus Stadium, round three, 2022
In the midst of an availability crisis, the Eagles made 12 changes from the previous week – five of those being omitted Covid Contingency List players who had been called up for the loss to North Melbourne – and couldn’t keep up with the Dockers, despite toiling hard against their crosstown rivals. The 55-point defeat was West Coast’s second-straight RAC Derby loss following an 11-game winning streak over the Dockers. Defensive stalwarts Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn were immense, while Andrew Gaff (25 disposals) and Jack Redden (21) did everything in their power to stop the engine room being overrun. Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz claimed the Glendinning-Allan Medal as best afield.
What it means for the Eagles: It’s an RAC Derby, but there’s more than just bragging rights on the line for both sides. The availability-challenged Eagles get to test themselves against a finals-bound side and have the chance to avoid the wooden spoon, while potentially spoiling the Dockers’ hopes of earning a double-chance in September. It’s a massive ask, but one the players are up for.
The stat: West Coast has not lost both RAC Derbies in the same season since suffering 19 and seven-point defeats in 2014.
The match-up: Nic Naitanui v Sean Darcy
Naitanui was a colossus against Adelaide last round, lifting the Eagles with his presence around stoppages (nine clearances, eight score involvements) and almost helping eight-goal hero Josh Kennedy and star defender Tom Barrass inspire what would have been a famous victory. For the Eagles to upset Fremantle against the odds it will take another massive effort from West Coast’s talisman against the Dockers’ hulking 203cm big man, especially given West Coast will be missing gun midfielder Tim Kelly due to suspension.
It’s a big week for: Jack Darling
Life as the main man in West Coast’s forward line – admittedly a role Darling has played many times before – begins in the wake of superstar spearhead Josh Kennedy’s stunning eight-goal farewell performance. Darling booted six-straight majors against the Suns two rounds ago when Kennedy was absent, so his formline is encouraging, and the All-Australian key forward’s ability to impact the game against a resolute Dockers defence will be crucial for West Coast.
Big call: Eagles skipper Luke Shuey to turn back the clock with 30 disposals for the first time this season, plus a couple of goals, to lead an understrength midfield brigade.
