It’s that time footy fans! One of the biggest games of the season for our WA teams- the WESTERN DERBY!
Pride. Honour. Bragging rights. Three of the main things that WA footy fans get out of a Western Derby. If you are a footy fan or not, you MUST pick a side. So who will it be? The purple army and the Fremantle Dockers? Or the blue and yellow high flying West Coast Eagles? Whoever you choose, may the odds be ever in your favour.
See Also: Play the Ultimate Western Derby Quiz
Fremantle are coming off a shocking start to the season losing their first two games, game 1 was away against the Bulldogs and last week’s home game against Gold Coast. They are showing some cracks within their line-up. I think most people assumed they may struggle a little bit in front of goal without a prominent forward, however it seems that they are also having serious issues in the back line.
So Eagles, So Freo
Michael Johnson was noticeably absent from game 1 and Fremantle lacked his leadership and direction in defence. In saying that, he played last week and even though there were improvements with his return, there is still something missing. Obviously Luke McPharlin is one thing missing (recently retired) and Ross Lyon needs to appoint someone to take his place as a strong, effective defender.
I feel that Ross is trying to make Zac Dawson that person. In my opinion… THAT IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN. Dawson just can’t seem to get it together. He has had plenty of opportunities to make a name for him self- and he has- but for the wrong reasons… And he frustrates the HECK out of me. I would like to see young Alex Pearce step up to the plate this season. He performs well under pressure, tends to position himself well around the ground and always gives 110% effort.
Fremantle have a few different players who can work some magic in front of goal. Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Walters, Chris Mayne (sometimes), Nat Fyfe, Matt Pavlich (once he’s warmed up)… As much as I think Freo definitely need a big, strong forward, I think if they can sort out their defence, they will have a better shot at winning on Saturday against the Eagles.
West Coast Eagles are the goal kicking machines. They are known for blowing up the scoreboard, usually thanks to big gun Josh Kennedy. They had a huge win in round 1 against Brisbane and come into the derby off a loss last weekend to Hawthorn, the reigning Premiers.
Side note: How CRAZY is it that West Coast lost to Hawthorn last week by the EXACT same margin that they lost to them by in last year’s Grand Final?? 46 points! That’s madness!
Anyway, as much as it pains me to say this as a Freo supporter, West Coast’s line-up looks a lot more promising going into this game than Freo’s. They have all the bases covered. Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling dominating in the forward line, Matt Priddis and Andrew Gaff speeding through the midfield with Nic Nat killing it in the ruck, and Jeremy McGovern and Shannon Hurn in defence. Plus the rest of their line-up, who all seem to be in good form. I don’t think they will let last week’s loss to the Hawks effect them in any way.
I would love Fremantle to find their mojo and return to the form they have been in for the last few seasons. However, I can’t see that happening in time for this weekend. The Eagles have a lot of depth and I think they will put Freo to the sword on Saturday.
I will always be a passionate Fremantle supporter, however for the sake of tipping who I think will win on Saturday, I am tipping West Coast Eagles to win by 10 points.
Ps. Try not to bite anyone this time Masten!
Let us know your #AFLEaglesFreo predictions at @TweetPerth @EmmaLianaPayne
