Where and when: Sullivan Logistics Stadium (Leederville Oval), Saturday, October 19, 4:05pm
TV: Live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy, and streaming live on Kayo
Last time we met: West Coast 2.7 (19) def by Fremantle 4.3 (27) at Fremantle Community Bank Oval, round one, 2023.
It was heartbreak for the Eagles the last time these two teams met, the blue and gold falling agonisingly short in the sixth RAC Derby. It was a hard-fought and physical matchup, but the Dockers defence in the final term locked down their eight-point triumph. Young star Ella Roberts became the first Eagle to win the Dery Medal, even more impressive to do so in a losing side, after managing a game-high 24 touches, four marks, four tackles and five clearances. Kellie Gibson and Amy Franklin kept the Eagles in it with goals in the third term, while experienced duo Emma Swanson (24 disposals, 9 tackles) and Dana Hooker (18, 10) worked hard throughout.
What it means for the Eagles: The Eagles come into this game off a disappointing 66-point loss to the Hawks last round and will be looking to bounce back in a big way. The added significance of the cross-town rivalry between West Coast and Fremantle this week will no doubt be extra motivation for both sides, and the Eagles will be striving for their first RAC Derby victory. West Coast will have taken a lot of learnings out of the Hawks game and their main focus will be implementing those learnings against a tough Fremantle outfit. The Eagles currently sit in 10th spot on the AFLW ladder, and a win this week will be a boost towards a potential finals berth.
The stat: The last time the Eagles played at Leederville Oval they recorded their first-ever win, a four-point victory over the Western Bulldogs.
Oppo in focus: Mim Strom
Imposing ruck Mim Strom will be one to keep an eye on this weekend. Standing at 182cm tall, Strom is currently leading the league in hitouts (280) and will be a tough task for West Coast’s talls. The 22-year-old is also known for her strong marking skills and continues to improve from week to week.
It’s a big week for: Courtney Rowley
Courtney Rowley will make her highly anticipated return on Saturday, successfully completing her ACL rehabilitation, after suffering the injury in the final game of the 2023 season. The 21-year-old midfielder is an exciting and tough young player, known for her incredible tackling ability, and she will be a welcome return to the lineup this weekend to take on Fremantle.
Big call: The Eagles will break their Derby drought and record their first victory against the Dockers.
Milestone: Emma Swanson 50 Eagles games
