Where and when: Optus Stadium. Sunday, July 19 (4.35pm AWST)
TV: Live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo and the official AFL app
What it means for the Eagles: A win against the Dockers on Sunday would be significant in more ways than one. First, it would improve West Coast’s record to 4-3 and potentially catapult them into the top eight for the first time since round one. Second, it would set a new benchmark for RAC Derby winning streaks. The current record is nine-straight wins (to the Eagles from the inaugural RAC Derby), but a victory on Sunday would be West Coast’s 10th consecutive win over Fremantle since Round 20, 2015. Third, it would be a fitting way to honour club great Josh Kennedy, who will be playing his 250th AFL match. To say there’s plenty to play for would be an understatement.
The stat: It’s a bit of a quirky stat, but when the first ball is bounced at Optus Stadium and Josh Kennedy formally has AFL game 250 on his record, he would have played one match for every player who has represented West Coast since the club's inception after fellow forward Jamaine Jones became the 250th person to don blue and gold when he debuted against Sydney in round five.
The matchup: Brendon Ah Chee v Luke Ryan
Ah Chee has been quietly going about his business this year, playing a pivotal pressure role in West Coast’s forward line. He will be one of several Eagles expected to keep an eye on Ryan, who is arguably Fremantle’s most attacking defender. The Docker is averaging a team-high 312.33 metres gained this year, so Ah Chee and fellow forwards Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan will have to work hard to negate his run and carry. Ah Chee, a noted high flier, will also challenge Ryan in the air and has the ability to take big clunks or bring his fellow goalsneaks into the game by getting the ball to ground in dangerous spots.
It’s a big week for: Josh Kennedy
Sunday is a big occasion for Kennedy and he will undoubtedly want to put on a show in his 250th AFL appearance. The two-time Coleman medallist possesses an enviable RAC Derby record, having booted 43 goals from his 17 stoushes with the Dockers. His best haul was in Round 20, 2016 when he booted seven goals against Freo. We’re not expecting him to replicate that performance, but it would be a treat to see him kick a bag in his milestone game.
Big call: RAC Derby specialist Shannon Hurn shines and claims his fourth Glendinning-Allan Medal