Western Watercooler: A Look at the Latest Footy Highlights
Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we break down the key talking points from the weekend’s games – and explore the highlights, frustrations, and positive moments that WA football fans can take with them as the season continues.
The Dockers have continued their dominance in the Western Derby. They’ve now won four straight matches in cross-town clashes, securing nine out of the last 10 games. With a strong performance, they’ve closed the gap to within four points on the overall tally, trailing 33-29. Fremantle’s game is in good shape, and with a 5-1 win-loss record, they are just percentage behind the ladder leaders, Sydney.
While West Coast managed to take the lead in the second term, they were ultimately outclassed and outplayed as the match progressed. Poor skills remain an issue, and their goalkicking is another area that needs improvement if they’re to challenge more regularly.
What Went Right for the Fremantle Dockers?
Ball Movement
Under the guidance of Justin Longmuir, the Dockers were able to transition freely and expose the Eagles regularly. The team used speed on the ball, cutting and slicing their way through West Coast’s defense. They effectively utilised the corridor, and with the Eagles’ defense scrambling, they achieved a season-high 19 marks inside 50.
Jordan Clark
The All Australian defender has made a seamless transition from Geelong to Fremantle. He hasn’t missed a single game and celebrated his 100th consecutive game, including 84-straight for Fremantle, by walking away with the Glendinning-Allen Medal for best on ground.
Clark was instrumental in many of the Dockers’ attacking plays, finishing with a game-high 629 metres and 11 marks, along with 27 touches and a goal. The 25-year-old has started the season strongly, showing his continued form.
What Went Wrong for the Fremantle Dockers?
Mason Cox
Mason Cox may be used to playing in front of large crowds on Anzac Day, but after a quiet debut, he might not get a second consecutive game. The big Texan managed only four touches, two marks, and 13 hit-outs from 59 per cent time on ground.
Cox had enjoyed a strong opening fortnight in the WAFL, which paved the way for his club debut when Sean Darcy was concussed. His best chance to play against Carlton on Saturday may depend on whether Darcy progresses out of protocols.
Silver Lining for the Fremantle Dockers
Jye Amiss
Jye Amiss kicked a career-high five goals, and it could have been even more, as he had four behinds and set up multiple others. He has rediscovered his form in recent weeks, and this was his most complete performance of the season.
Amiss pulled in 10 marks, nine of which were inside 50, setting a new club record.
What Went Right for the West Coast Eagles?
Reuben Ginbey
Reuben Ginbey faced one of the toughest tasks in football, standing up against Josh Treacy. He performed outstandingly, restricting the Dockers forward to a season-low three marks and one goal from 10 touches.
The Eagles’ defensive line has been hit hard with Harry Edwards out with concussion and Jeremy McGovern forced into early retirement. This has forced Ginbey to play tall, regularly fighting out of his height and weight division.
What Went Wrong for the West Coast Eagles?
Skills
Poor execution has been hurting the Eagles, and unfortunately for captain Liam Duggan, his radar needs some fine-tuning. In the third quarter, he had a golden chance to hit-up a target entering 50, but even under very little pressure, he couldn’t find a target, kicking it straight to an opponent and allowing the Dockers to transition down the ground.
Silver Lining for the West Coast Eagles
Winning the Contested Possession and Inside-50 Count
For the first time this year, winning the contested possession count didn’t translate to winning the match, which highlights their inefficiency in attack. Containing the Dockers on-ball brigade was going to be difficult, especially without injured duo Deven Robertson and Jack Graham.
However, Elliot Yeo’s return helped them significantly, and while it didn’t translate to the scoreboard, winning the contest was something Andrew McQualter would have been buoyed by.
