Where and when: Optus Stadium (Whadjuk), Thursday, September 22, 1:10pm AWST

TV: Live on Ch7 in WA, Fox Footy, Kayo and the AFL Live Official app.

Last time we met: Fremantle 6.7 (43) def Eagles 2.3 (15) at Fremantle Community Bank Oval, round one, season six, 2022

It was windy conditions last time West Coast met the Dockers in front of 5500 fans at Fremantle Oval. The Eagles got off to a rocky start but brought the scores close after kicking two goals in the third term to bring the margin to five points. The Dockers closed it out despite good performances from Emma Swanson and Belinda Smith.  

What it means for the Eagles: Season seven’s derby comes a little different with clear skies predicted for the hit-out at Optus Stadium. The Eagles have made a trademark of coming home strong late in the game this season, a string in their bow they didn’t have in their last encounter. Again starting well will be a key factor for West Coast as they look to replicate last week’s second win over the Giants. The midfield will be a key area to win with both sides fielding strong stars in that area of the field. Expect exciting performances from Emma Swanson and Isabella Lewis who have played consistent footy for the last four rounds and have been devasting through the middle part of the field.  

The stat: Last time these two met Fremantle laid twenty more tackles (79-59) than West Coast a stat the home side has drastically improved coming into this season’s hit out. West Coast’s pressure last week against the Giants was monumental shutting down the likes of Cora Staunton and Alyce Parker. The side notched up a total of 72 tackles in that game, something they’ll want to replicate against Fremantle.  

The match-up: Emma Swanson vs Hayley Miller

It’ll be a battle of the captains this week as leadership out on the field will be a key factor in who rises to the occasion at Optus Stadium. West Coast is a young team who has had a significant list turnover this season with some players only having two or three AFLW games under their belt. Swanson’s role in firing up this young side will be crucial to getting them to front up to a more experienced Dockers outfit. Meanwhile Fremantle have not yet notched a win this season coming into this encounter with three losses and one draw after facing some tough teams in the early part of the season.  

It’s a big week for: Sophie McDonald  

Being named in last rounds AFLW Team of the Week the emerging defender has shown she can play consistent footy week in, week out. She’s made a trademark of being a nightmare to star forwards including the likes of Bonnie Toogood (Essendon) and Cora Staunton (Giants). While we expect McDonald will have a good day on the stat sheet, whether she can continue to shut down goals in the defensive 50 will be pivotal to the final result of the RAC Derby.  

Big call: Abbygail Bushby will burst out of the gate in her debut and score her first goal in her AFLW career.