Where and when: Optus Stadium, Sunday, April 2, 3.20pm
TV: Live on Ch7 in WA, Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo
Last time we met: Fremantle 9.17 (61) def. West Coast 7.5 (47) at Optus Stadium, round 22, 2022
The undermanned Eagles played with true grit and spirit, taking it up to the finals-bound Dockers in a ferocious contest in the penultimate round of the season. West Coast started brightly and had a slender two-point lead at the opening break after kicking 4.0, but couldn’t stem the tide across the contest. Full-back Tom Barrass was simply outstanding on his way to claiming the John Worsfold Medal, dominating Rory Lobb and taking a game-high 12 marks, with 14 intercept possessions.
What it means for the Eagles: The chance to continue building momentum after a confidence-boosting 19-point win over Greater Western Sydney. While the result against the Giants was pleasing, the way the Eagles played - with dare and speed – was just as exciting. The gamestyle the team has been working on clicked, with quick trio Jamaine Jones, Jayden Hunt and Samo Petrevski-Seton among those who impressed. More of the same would be a welcome sight in Sunday’s ‘away’ RAC Derby.
The stat: West Coast leads the RAC Derby win-loss tally 32-23 overall.
The match-up: Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson v Bailey Williams/Jake Waterman
The unavailability of Nic Naitanui (Achilles) and Callum Jamieson (ankle) essentially took the decision whether to play two genuine rucks to combat Freo’s star pair out of the West Coast coaches’ hands. Undersized pinch-hitter Waterman chipped in admirably and Williams was much-improved in his second game for 2023 against the Giants, despite the Eagles losing hit-outs by 11. But Sunday’s opposition pairing will pose a stiffer challenge and nullifying their impact as much as possible could be a significant factor in the scrap for field position and the outcome.
It’s a big week for: Reuben Ginbey
The Dunsborough product was assigned a cooling job on Giants star Tom Green last round and could be bound for a similar role on Dockers star Andy Brayshaw in his first experience of the crosstown clash.
Big call: Inspirational skipper Luke Shuey has been brilliant in the opening two rounds and relishes the big games. We’re backing him to add a Glendinning-Allan Medal to his premiership, Norm Smith and two John Worsfold medals.
