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Welcome Tweet Perth Footy fans!

Arguably one of the biggest games in the Dockers and Eagles seasonal calendar is fast approaching.

The first western derby of 2015 will be kicking off at Domain Stadium on Sunday the 19th at 2.40pm.

Derby’s are always an exciting match up and I don’t believe this one will be an exception. Both teams will be without key players resulting from injuries, or suspensions in the case of Fremantle’s pocket rocket Hayden Ballantyne. His fiery attitude will be missed by the Dockers but it will no doubt be a slight relief for the Eagles.

West Coast will come into this game on the back of what can only be described as a domination against Carlton in round two. Josh Kennedy appears to be in fine form after bagging 10 goals last week.

However, I think we have to remember that Carlton will more than likely be a bottom four side this season so Eagles are really going to have to dig deep against the stronger sides.
I can see Eagles winger Matt Rosa continuing with his tagging role after doing an excellent job shutting down Brownlow medalist and former Eagle Chris Judd last week.

If this is the case he will undoubtedly be allocated Nat Fyfe as his opponent on Sunday which will be an interesting pairing.

The last time the Eagles won a derby (three years ago) Matt Rosa was the Ross Glendinning medal winner after clocking up 43 possessions. His newly adapted tagging role will see him accruing less possessions but he will still be able to make an impact for the Eagles if he can continue to keep key players out of the game.

I’m sure everyone would love to see a close game on Sunday but unfortunately with Scott Selwood set to spend up to six weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury, along with other big names Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown, I think the Eagles are going to struggle against the Dockers this week.

My tip is that Fremantle will take out the win by at least 30 points. Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich will fire up in typical derby fashion and I think he will be a main goal kicker and will be up to win the Ross Glendinning medal.

David Mundy will be a key player for the Dockers through the midfield and Josh Kennedy will be kept fairly quiet by the Dockers defence.

Here’s hoping for a nice, clean match with no more injuries from either team.

Until next time,

Emma