Fremantle achieved an impressive 41-point victory in the Western Derby, providing a much-needed percentage boost. However, would the results have been as decisive had West Coast not suffered a number of significant injuries during the match? 

The knock from round one was that West Coast players were disinterested and lacked the heart and passion West Coast has been known for since entering the competition. Out of the gates, West Coast showed the same intensity as the previous week against GWS – taking the fight to the favourites Fremantle.

The most impressive outcome for West Coast despite the loss and key injuries, with no fit players available on the bench they still managed to win the third quarter and they could have been in the lead if they had capitalised on some gettable scoring opportunities. 

While there were many positives to take from the weekend’s game, the injury list could potentially disrupt the remainder of West Coast’s season.

Watch the highlights of the game

Good 

The first term for the Eagles showed promise that life after Josh Kennedy might not be so bad. Oscar Allen and Jack Darling scored five goals between them in this quarter as an upset was brewing.

While Luke Jackson was able to build his confidence by kicking a brilliant snap in the first couple of minutes. Jye Amiss showed he could become the key forward Fremantle needs. With still only a handful of games experience – will he be able to continue this week in and week out?

The Eagles held onto the game in the third quarter even though they’d lost some of their best players to injury. Going against what some of the experts said about them losing interest after round one due to the lack of effort. Showing that perhaps the West Coast locker room isn’t in disarray and that the Eagles rebuild could be on the right path after all.

Micheal Walters impressed in his first full match of the season after kicking a game-high of four goals. Proving to the club that he is the much need veteran presence in the Dockers forward Line.

Ruckmen Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson gave the team an advantage in the hit-outs (69-16). With the recent injury to Max Gawn, could this duo now be the best 1-2 punch ruck combination in the AFL?

Caleb Serong continues to develop into a start midfielder winning his second Glendenning-Allan medal. He finished the game with 35 disposals, eight clearances, and a game-high 12 inside the 50. The Fremantle midfield was impressive in the game with Serong leading the pack and showcasing the team’s depth behind Brashaw. 

The stand-out player outside of the Glendenning-Allan winner was Switkoski, who provided the much-needed pace through the centre and contributed two goals to the team’s overall score. Switkowski’s speed and agility proved to be a game-changer, as he was able to create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Bad 

Luke Shuey limped off with a hamstring injury. Then Campbell Chesser was hit with a knee injury, and Jeremy McGovern followed to the bench after what looks to be a serious hamstring issue. Alex Witherden was ruled out with a concussion and then Jamie Cripps’s ankle was caught under Alex Pearce’s body in a tackle, breaking his ankle. If that wasn’t enough, the devastation continued when Liam Ryan went up for a mark and crashed heavily down to the turf injuring his knee.  

Matt Taberner had another poor performance as the key forward continues his struggles to start the season.

Feature image: Richard Wainwright / AAP Photos

Up Next: 

• Fremantle Dockers (9) vs Adelaide Crows (11) 
• West Coast Eagles (12) vs Melbourn Demons (4)