Western Watercooler: A Weekend of Wins and Worry for WA Footy Fans
For West Coast Eagles supporters, the wait felt like an eternity. Three hundred and eight days is a significant stretch in the AFL calendar, and for Eagles fans, it was the duration they endured between victories. This past weekend, however, brought a much-needed dose of elation, as both Western Australian clubs, the Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers, celebrated wins. This marks the first time since May that both WA teams have tasted success on the same weekend, offering a welcome reprieve and a glimmer of hope for their respective fan bases.
The West Coast Eagles showcased the promise of their developing youth, orchestrating a stirring come-from-behind triumph against the Kangaroos. Meanwhile, the Fremantle Dockers demonstrated their growing strength with a dominant, start-to-finish performance against the Melbourne Demons.
West Coast Eagles: A Taste of Victory and a Lingering Concern
What Went Right? The Emerging Talent
The Eagles’ victory was significantly bolstered by the contributions of their young guns. Recent top draft picks, Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler, were instrumental. Both players notched their maiden AFL goals in the opening quarter, finishing the match with two majors apiece. However, their impact extended far beyond the scoreboard. Duursma’s skill and blistering pace, coupled with Duff-Tytler’s impressive agility, offer a clear indication that these youngsters are developing into long-term assets for the club. When you add the burgeoning talent of Jobe Shanahan and the recent acquisition of Milan Murdock to this group, it’s evident that the Eagles’ junior ranks are brimming with potential.
What Went Wrong? The Shadow of Concussion
Despite the jubilation of the win, a significant concern has emerged for the Eagles with the concussion sustained by Harry Edwards. The 25-year-old defender now faces a challenging period on the sidelines, marking his second concussion within a three-week span. Edwards has a history of head knocks, and this latest incident occurred due to friendly fire from teammate Matt Flynn. Edwards has worked diligently to establish himself as a key component of the Eagles’ developing defence, patiently waiting for his opportunities. The hope is that he can make a full recovery.
The Silver Lining: Elliot Yeo’s Transformative Presence
The return of Elliot Yeo to the Eagles’ lineup has been nothing short of transformative. Sidelined with injury for the entirety of the 2025 season, the 32-year-old’s presence has injected a new level of dynamism into the Eagles’ midfield. His experience and toughness are invaluable, and he’s proving to be a crucial mentor for Harley Reid, particularly in guiding his “play-on-the-edge” approach to the game. Yeo’s impact isn’t measured by sheer volume, but by the quality of his possessions. His brilliant goal kicked just before the three-quarter time siren was a prime example of his class. If Yeo can maintain his fitness and continue to influence the game around the ball and on the scoreboard, as he has in his first two outings, the West Coast Eagles will undoubtedly present a far more formidable version of themselves.
Fremantle Dockers: A Commanding Performance with a Forward Line Worry
What Went Right? Explosive Starts
For the second consecutive week, the Fremantle Dockers have commenced their matches with an electrifying burst. Their opening terms have been characterised by high speed, intense pressure, and remarkable effectiveness. The 52 points they registered against the Geelong Cats in the first quarter was their most potent start under coach Justin Longmuir. This momentum carried over into their clash with the Demons, where they again exploded out of the blocks, accumulating 49 points by the first siren. This dominant start was fuelled by an overwhelming 25 inside-50 entries and a seven-goal advantage at the break.
What Went Wrong? Jye Amiss’s Form Slump
A notable point of concern for the Dockers is the ongoing struggle of forward Jye Amiss. His performance against the Demons was another uninspired outing from the out-of-form forward. Amiss is clearly lacking confidence and could soon find himself on the outer. He missed a relatively straightforward set-shot from close range in the opening term and ultimately finished the match goalless with no goal assists. In the Dockers’ 31 goals across their opening two games, Amiss has contributed a mere one. Since his breakout 41-goal season in 2023, there has been a steady decline in the output from the left-footed forward.
The Silver Lining: Shai Bolton’s Midfield Ascendancy
In the absence of Hayden Young, the smooth-moving Shai Bolton stepped up significantly, particularly in the midfield. Bolton attended 22 centre bounces, thriving on the increased midfield opportunities. He finished the game with an impressive 32 disposals, 10 inside-50 entries, nine clearances, and two goals. Not only does Bolton consistently produce positive outcomes with the ball in hand, but his midfield dominance also provides coach Justin Longmuir with a compelling reason to exercise caution regarding Young’s return date, especially given his history of soft-tissue injuries.
