AFL Recap: Fremantle Dockers Down, West Coast Eagles Up

As our two WA teams sit in the top two spots on the AFL ladder, some questions need to be asked regarding both teams and what form they are in at this stage in the season.

AFL Recap: Fremantle Dockers Down, West Coast Eagles Up

As our two WA teams sit in the top two spots on the AFL ladder, some questions need to be asked regarding both teams and what form they are in at this stage in the season.
Brought to you by
adventure-kings-logo

Recap for our WA AFL teams after round 15

As our two WA teams sit in the top two spots on the AFL ladder, some questions need to be asked regarding both teams and what form they are in at this stage in the season.

Fremantle Dockers are still on top of the ladder after having only lost two games this season. However, their form has been on the decline for the last few weeks and it really hit home on Sunday night after an embarrassing 72 point loss to Hawthorn. This is the biggest losing margin that Freo have seen under coach Ross Lyon.

So what happened to Freo?

I wasn’t expecting Freo to win this one, but I didn’t think they would get smashed by that much. The main problem the Dockers have been facing is not having anyone getting the job done in the forward line. Another goaless game for Hayden Ballantyne and just one goal to Matt Pavlich. There were no multiply goal scorers for Fremantle. Aside from the lack of scoring, the Dockers just looked like they couldn’t get any kind of flow of play happening throughout the game. Nat Fyfe had a season low 20 possessions and seemed to be getting frustrated at his team’s performance.

Are they still contenders for the flag?

If they continue with their current form, my answer is no. Sunday’s game against the Hawks was potentially a preview of what this season’s grand final would be, and look at the outcome!

What could be the solution to Fremantle’s troubles?

Fremantle need to start making an impact on the scoreboard. Plain and simple. They need to sort out their forward line and be more effective with the ball coming into their 50.

Who should be dropped after this weekend’s performance?

It’s a hard one. If we drop the players who aren’t performing at their best, those players need to be replaced. Hayden Ballantyne and Matty Pavlich are two of the main forwards who should be kicking goals but are not. How on earth do you replace big Pav or fiery Ballantyne? I don’t think the Dockers are prepared to drop those players as there is not really anyone ready to step up to fill their shoes at this stage.

Are the Dockers lost without Michael Johnson in the back line?

I think Fremantle is lacking a tiny bit of experience in the back line without Michael Johnson. However, young Alex Pearce seems to be holding up well down there and playing well for a newcomer. Luke McPharlin is an amazing defender, but I’m sure he will be happy to see Michael Johnson return to the side.

West Coast Eagles on the Up

At the other end of the spectrum, we have West Coast Eagles who have been issuing dominating performances for weeks now. They sit just one game behind Fremantle on the ladder, and their percentage is through the roof! Whether it’s the forward line, midfield or backline, West Coast have got it covered. The players have adapted well to the injury woes that haunted them at the start of the season and they look to be in premiership winning form.

Have West Coast been recognised as flag contenders yet?

I have been saying that the Eagles are big finals contenders for weeks and weeks now. When I first started mentioning it, other people were not yet convinced. Including Eagles supporters! After their recent run of damaging form I think they are well and truly being recognised as flag contenders now.

Will they hold this form against top sides such as Hawks or Swans?

Playing at home is definitely a massive benefit and advantage for West Coast. The crowd really gets around them at Domain Stadium and the players thrive on the support. Luckily for them, they play Sydney and Hawks at home in the coming weeks so I think they could be safe against the other top sides.

Will the Eagles beat the Dockers in the next derby?

Unless Fremantle find their form again I think West Coast can definitely win the next derby. Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling are punishing in the Eagles forward line and unfortunately for Fremantle at the moment, they have no one in their own forward who can really respond on the scoreboard. If Dockers can sort out their goal kicking, big Sandilands and Freo’s powerful midfield might be able to pull it together enough to get over the line.