West Coast’s Xavier Ellis is hoping for a tight tussle with Fremantle as the cross-town rivals prepare to meet in Sunday’s western derby.
The Dockers exploded out of the blocks in the last encounter, scoring 11 goals before the Eagles finally chimed in midway through the second quarter.
Ellis told 6PR on Wednesday night that the team was taught a good lesson by Fremantle back in round three and fans should expect a closer result this time around.
“To be honest with you, I don't think anyone can really put a finger on it,” Ellis said of the last derby.
“Eleven goals to none, it's like you're playing against a reserves WAFL team for a scoreline like that.
“Obviously we looked at it pretty closely and I think we performed relatively well for the last three quarters.
“The horse had bolted by then, but we stuck to our systems that we'd been training.
“On that day, we were really poor early and Fremantle taught us an absolute lesson and probably embarrassed a few of us.”
Both West Coast and Fremantle will be without a number of key players for Sunday’s clash, with injury clouds hanging over Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin and David Mundy.
The Eagles will be without the suspended Mark LeCras, as well as Jeremy McGovern who re-injured his hamstring last weekend during the Hawthorn match.
In addition, Nic Naitanui will not take his place in the team for a second week due to the tragic death of his mother, but Ellis said he was confident that fellow ruckman Scott Lycett would stand up in his teammate’s absence.
Lycett was outstanding against the Hawks in his first AFL game since round four, with 20 disposals and 39 hit-outs.
Ellis said he had been impressed with the way Lycett had responded to the challenge.
“Through absolutely unfortunately circumstances, [Nic’s] not playing at the moment, but it's probably the opportunity that some guys need, to be handed the baton and have to carry the whole load of the ruck last week.
“There was no other option but for Scotty to stand up and I think he was involved in 105 or 106 contests and really played quite well.
“It was really good for the team and for him to get a bit of confidence back.”
Listen to Ellis' full interview with 6PR below.
