Fremantle’s Leaders Rise as Improved Eagles Fight Back

Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we break down the key moments from the weekend’s matches – and the highlights, disappointments, and positive signs that WA football fans can take with them as the season continues.

In back-to-back weeks, the Dockers have left Adelaide Oval with four points in thrilling fashion. Their one-goal victory over the Magpies has placed them second on the ladder ahead of a Western Derby and a game against the lowly-ranked Carlton.

An improved West Coast showed some much-needed resilience against Geelong, but they were simply unable to match the pace of one of the competition’s top teams. While their first quarter was significantly better and some players had standout moments, injuries to key personnel will be closely monitored.

What went right?

The leaders stepping up in crucial moments. Last week it was captain Alex Pearce, and this week it was star forward Josh Treacy. The 23-year-old was well-contained by Billy Frampton, finishing without a goal in the wet and wild conditions at Adelaide Oval. However, Treacy’s brilliant hands came through when needed, as he bravely backed into the defensive 50 to take a match-saving mark in the final two minutes.

This moment proved that even if it’s not your best performance, it can still be your defining moment. It wasn’t the first time Treacy has done this. In their Round 19 clash last year, he also went goalless before moving to defense, resulting in another decisive grab in a one-point win.

What went wrong?

Sean Darcy suffered a concussion. The ruckman exited the game in the second term and will now miss next week’s Western Derby, opening the door for recruit Mason Cox to make his club debut. This is a disappointing setback for Darcy, who has yet to find his rhythm this season as Luke Jackson continues to thrive under increased responsibility.

Silver lining:

Matt Johnson had two strong moments in the final term, suggesting he is developing into the midfielder the Dockers hoped for. The 23-year-old showcased his running ability, slicing through Adelaide Oval and delivering a beautiful pass to leading player Jye Amiss for a goal that narrowed the margin to a point. Moments later, he scored the go-ahead goal after picking up a turnover, escaping the outstretched arms of Brayden Maynard and kicking truly from 35 metres out.

West Coast Eagles

What went right?

There was a response. A week after an embarrassing triple-figure home defeat to the Swans, the Eagles faced last year’s Grand Finalists – Geelong. Despite losing their seventh straight match to the Cats, the Eagles put up a fight against a more experienced and mature opposition.

The Eagles’ first quarters have been a major issue all season, but they were well and truly in the contest at the first break.

What went wrong?

The time-on period in the second quarter was where Geelong broke free from the early arm-wrestle, taking control of the match. Five consecutive goals from the Cats in 11 minutes made the margin 30 points at the main break, a gap too large for West Coast to close. It was a reminder of how quickly good teams can extend their lead.

Also, injuries to duo Deven Robertson and Jack Graham. There are concerns about the seriousness of Robertson’s left knee injury following a heavy collision with Cats ruck Mitchell Edwards. The midfielder was barely able to put weight on it and didn’t return to the field.

Graham fought on bravely to play through a second-quarter right arm injury. The 28-year-old hard-nut could barely lift his arm at times and was regularly in pain, getting through the match with it heavily bandaged.

Silver lining:

Bailey Williams’ return from injury for his first game of the season will help ease the Eagles’ ruck problems. The 25-year-old finished with 20 touches, seven clearances, and 35 hit-outs to be one of West Coast’s best. His athleticism ensured he had the upper hand in his duel with young Cat Mitchell Edwards, ahead of a date with the Dockers and an expected Luke Jackson-Mason Cox double act.

Jobe Shanahan continues to show significant development, booting a career-best four goals to finish the day as the game’s most potent forward.