The History of the Western Derby
Over four decades, the rivalry between the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers has become a defining part of Australian football culture. Known as the Western Derby, these matches have produced some of the most memorable moments in the sport, with fans across Perth passionately following every game. The competition has seen both teams rise and fall, but the intensity of their encounters remains unmatched.
West Coast holds the edge in the overall head-to-head record, with 33 wins from 61 meetings against Fremantle. However, individual performances have often shifted the narrative, with players like Paul Hasleby and Caleb Serong standing out by winning the Glendinning-Allan medal multiple times.
As the two clubs prepare for their 62nd meeting at Optus Stadium, here’s a look at the top 10 most exciting games in the history of the Western Derby.
Round 7, 1995 – The First Western Derby
The first-ever Western Derby took place in Round 7, 1995, when Fremantle, a newly introduced team, faced off against the reigning premiers, West Coast. The game attracted a crowd of 40,000 and set the stage for a long-standing rivalry. Although the Eagles won comfortably, Don Pyke’s performance with 28 disposals and two goals, alongside Brett Heady’s five goals, highlighted the potential of this new competition.
Round 16, 1999 – Fremantle’s First Victory
After nine consecutive losses to the Eagles, Fremantle finally secured its first victory in the derby. Tony Modra kicked six goals, while Adrian Fletcher recorded 39 disposals. Chris Bond became the club’s first captain to lift the derby trophy, marking a turning point in the rivalry.
Round 22, 2003 – A Comeback for the Ages
Fremantle ended a run of four straight losses by defeating the Eagles in a thrilling match. Despite trailing at half-time, the Dockers came back strong with a six-goal third quarter. Paul Hasleby and Peter Bell were instrumental in the turnaround, showing the resilience of the team.
Round 6, 2018 – A Premiership Statement
This game was pivotal for the Eagles’ premiership campaign. They clawed back from a 20-point deficit in the first term, with Andrew Gaff leading the way with 33 disposals and four clearances. Lachie Neale and Nat Fyfe were standout performers for Fremantle, but the Eagles ultimately secured a narrow win.
Round 15, 2014 – A Midfield Battle
The 2014 clash was a midfield battle that went down to the wire. Fremantle broke open a tight contest in the third quarter with five consecutive goals. Stephen Hill contributed three goals from 32 disposals, while Nat Fyfe and Matt Priddis provided fierce competition in the centre.
Round 17, 2009 – A Heart-Stopping Finish
With the game tied at every major break, Fremantle needed two clutch goals in the final quarter to secure the win. Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands were dominant, with Pavlich recording 36 disposals and eight tackles. The game showcased the high-stakes nature of the derby.
Round 6, 2006 – Controversy and Drama
This match was one of the more controversial in the derby’s history. Fremantle managed to extend its winning streak, but the game was dominated by Chris Judd, who received the Ross Glendinning medal despite being on the losing side. His 33 disposals and 12 clearances sparked outrage among Freo fans.
Round 22, 2021 – A Historic Overturn
After leading by 40 points early in the second quarter, the Eagles looked poised for an easy win. However, Fremantle staged a remarkable comeback, ending an 11-game losing streak in the process. Caleb Serong led the charge with 32 disposals and two goals, including the iconic “Serong, so right!” goal that sealed the victory.
Round 18, 2011 – One of the Closest Finishes
Tied for the closest finish in Western derby history, this game saw Fremantle come from 22 points down in the final term. In the final seconds, Matt Rosa gave away a free kick that allowed Hayden Ballantyne a chance to win the game. His kick hit the post, giving the Eagles a one-point victory.
Round 21, 2000 – The ‘Demolition Derby’
Dubbed the ‘Demolition Derby’ by Docker Clive Waterhouse, this match lived up to its name. West Coast led throughout, but Fremantle surged in the final term to snatch the win. Waterhouse scored seven goals, and the game ended with four players suspended and six fined, highlighting the intensity of the rivalry.
