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West Coast Eagles vs Fremantle Dockers Tips - Can the Dockers finally close out a game?

Adam Cusworth

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Last updated: 27 Mar 2025

Adam Cusworth 27 Mar 2025

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Western Derby showdown at Optus Stadium this Sunday.
Both teams eager for a first win; Eagles showed promise against Brisbane.
Important players include Tim Kelly for Eagles and Caleb Serong for Dockers.

Expired

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Andrew Brayshaw of the Dockers in action during the round 20 AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium, on July 27, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

West Coast Eagles vs Fremantle Dockers Preview
Head to Head
West Coast Eagles Form Analysis
West Coast Eagles Team News
West Coast Eagles Team List
Fremantle Dockers Form Analysis
Fremantle Dockers Team News
Fremantle Dockers Team List

West Coast Eagles vs Fremantle Dockers Preview

There is plenty at stake in the first Western Derby for the season and will be held at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides head in without a win. West Coast were smashed by the Gold Coast in Round 1 before an improved showing against last year’s premiers, Brisbane, last weekend, going down to the Lions by 19.

Fremantle just do not know how to close out games. They have now lost their past six matches and seven of their past nine. They have led in the final term in six of those.

Last weekend, they had Sydney on the ropes before conceding late goals to lose by three. That followed on from their Round 1 defeat to Geelong by 78.

Hard to back the Dockers with any confidence. Consider the Eagles with the start.

Fremantle have failed to cover the line in seven of their past eight matches.
The Western Derby was split at one win apiece last season
Tim Kelly has averaged 28 disposals in his past four matches against the Dockers

Head to Head

Fremantle have won six of the past seven matches between the two sides, including the Round 20 encounter last season by 35 points. Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong both had 30+ disposals in that match. Jake Waterman booted three for the Eagles.

West Coast took out the Round 6 match by 37 points. Harley Reid kicked three in that match. Serong and Brayshaw have averaged 30+ in their past four matches against West Coast, while Tim Kelly averages 28 for the Eagles. Waterman has booted nine from his past three appearances against Fremantle.

West Coast Eagles Form Analysis

West Coast’s winless season follows on from a 2024 that saw them win just five of 23. The have lost 13 of their past 15 matches. Seven of those have been by greater than 39.5 points.

The Eagles rank 17th for scoring over the last 10 matches and 18th for disposals. They have kicked just 18 goals this season. Liam Ryan booted three in the loss against Brisbane.

New recruit, Liam Baker, has picked up more than 20 disposals in his two matches to date, while Tim Kelly bounced back from a quiet first match to register 29 disposals against Brisbane.

West Coast Eagles Team News

The Eagles haven't ruled out a potential return for star forward Jake Waterman, who has been dealing with a back issue causing calf pain. Draftees Bo Allan and Tom Gross are pushing for debuts, and Jack Williams is a forward/ruck option if changes are made in that role. Key defenders Jobe Shanahan and Sandy Brock could be considered to face Freo's tall forward line, unless Reuben Ginbey, a strong half-back, is available to play.

West Coast Eagles Team List

B: B.Hough, H.Edwards, R.Ginbey

HB: L.Baker, J.McGovern, T.Cole

C: J.Graham, T.Kelly, J.Hunt

HF: T.Brockman, A.Reid, L.Ryan

F: M.Owies, O.Allen - C, J.Cripps

FOLL: B.Williams, H.Reid, L.Duggan

I/C (FROM): E.Hewett, N.Long, R.Maric, M.Flynn, B.Allan, J.Williams, T.Dewar

In: J.Graham, M.Flynn, B.Allan, J.Williams

Out: J.Petruccelle (Omitted)

Fremantle Dockers Form Analysis

Scoring has been an issue for Fremantle this season, managing just 10 and nine goals in their two hitout’s so far. Josh Treacy was a bit of a lone target up forward with four majors last weekend.

Jaegar O’Meara has found plenty of the footy in the first two matches, collecting over 30 disposals in both games. Caleb Serong will be looking to bounce back after being tagged last weekend, managing just 19. He had 27 in the first game. Serong averaged 29 disposals last season, ranking 8th in the competition.

Fremantle Dockers Team News

The Dockers will need to replace James Walker in the backline as he consults specialists about a shoulder dislocation. Including substitute Josh Draper in the starting lineup could help cover him, with Heath Chapman also able to play on smaller opponents. Karl Worner is another option as a similar replacement. Dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe has completed a full game since returning from knee surgery but is unlikely to play at AFL level this week. Quinton Narkle could be considered for changes in attack, while Cooper Simpson, trained as a half-back, offers versatility and could be a useful substitute.

Fremantle Dockers Team List

B: C.Wagner, A.Pearce - C, B.Cox

HB: H.Chapman, L.Ryan, J.Clark

C: N.O’Driscoll, J.O’Meara, J.Sharp

HF: N.Erasmus, M.Frederick, S.Bolton

F: M.Reid, J.Treacy, J.Amiss

FOLL: L.Jackson, C.Serong, A.Brayshaw

I/C (FROM): M.Johnson, I.Dudley, P.Voss, K.Worner, J.Draper, L.Reidy, J.Aish

In: I.Dudley, K.Worner, L.Reidy, J.Aish

Out: B.Walker (Injured)

Verdict

West Coast v Fremantle

West Coast can stick with Fremantle, Tim Kelly to find plenty of the footy

West Coast +31.5

Handicap +31.5

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