We’ve come a long way, but we’re not done yet.
That was the message West Coast joint-vice captain Jeremy McGovern delivered while addressing the media ahead of this weekend’s RAC Derby clash with Fremantle.
The four-time all-Australian defender said he was proud of the way the Eagles battled through their hub slump to register wins against Sydney and Adelaide before returning to Perth and, potentially, a long run of games at Optus Stadium.
However, he said West Coast’s back-to-back wins would mean little if they fell short against Fremantle in the 51st edition of the game that stops Western Australia.
“Obviously it’s good to get some wins, but I think we went away from playing the footy that we wanted early days,” McGovern said.
“We’ve got a lot of confidence from the way we’ve been playing and off the back of that we’ve got a couple of wins.
“We’re happy with how we’ve performed, but we’re not fully satisfied.
“We’ve got a little bit of work to do and we’ll be doing everything we can this weekend to get the win.”
The Eagles will be looking to register their tenth-straight win over the Dockers when the two teams square off in the Sunday twilight fixture.
Fremantle will be without a number of stars, including two-time Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe (hamstring), sharp shooter Jesse Hogan (calf) and dogged defender Girffin Logue (turf toe).
But McGovern said that was no reason to underestimate the Dockers, who will also be chasing their third-consecutive win after recording impressive victories over Adelaide and St Kilda before making their way back to WA.
“They don’t revolve around one bloke,” McGovern said.
“They’re a good side with a lot of good players. They’ve got a good team.”
They might down a few men, but Fremantle will undoubtedly have the crowd on its side when it takes to Optus Stadium on Sunday.
McGovern said the Eagles were determined to take the ‘Purple Army’ out of the game and get a win for milestone man Josh Kennedy and, of course, West Coast’s blue and gold faithful.
“We’ll want to get the job done for Josh, but also for the fans and the whole footy club,” McGovern said.
“(The rivalry) is as strong as it has been. It hasn’t really changed obviously being in the hub together.
“I think there is a lot of respect there between the two clubs, but we understand the rivalry is more between our fans and for us to get the win, that’s the best thing we can do for our fans.”
