Dual defeats as Freo streak ends while Eagles rue first quarter blowout
Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we round up the talking points from the weekend’s matches and the highlights, disappointments and silver linings that WA football fans can hold onto as the season progresses.
For only the second time this year – and the first weekend since March – both the Dockers and Eagles were defeated on the same weekend.
Fremantle’s club record run of 14 wins ended at the hands of GWS, who were beaten by 21 points.
Devastated by an injury, the Giants missed 10 of their best-of-23 games while captain Toby Greene and Jake Stringer took inspiration from the Dockers’ second loss of the year.
The big talking point wasn’t the result, but another injury to star Hayden Young.
West Coast produced three good quarters against the Crows but had to pay the price after the first quarter of the Adelaide scrum.
The Eagles fell behind by 25 points as a debutant stole the spotlight.
Fremantle Dockers
What went wrong? Hayden Young’s injury continues.
Of course, the Dockers’ winning streak is over, but Hayden Young’s struggle with his body far outweighs the importance of four points.
The 25-year-old is one of the Dockers’ most important and damaging players.
But he was plagued by injuries the last two seasons, playing in just 17 of a possible 40 games, and was unable to manage more than four consecutive games in the same period.
Although the recession in the groin is not expected to be large, it does mean there is no room for further regression.
Everything should be on the table for Young, including whether the WAFL returns to gradually increase his playing time and whether a half-time move to better protect his body is a worthwhile experiment.
Neither Fremantle nor Young can afford another hiccup as they desperately chase body confidence in the hope of regaining their best.
What went right? Karl Worner.
The humble defender showed his most productive performance in 47 matches.
The 24-year-old had career bests in points (29), marks (10) and meters gained (691).
Worner’s bravery and willingness to put his body on the line earned him the respect of his teammates and became a mainstay in the Dockers’ defense over the past two years.
It continues to improve and becomes more reliable every week.
Silver lining? A quick five-day turnaround ahead of the summit clash at home to Sydney.
Thursday night offers a great chance to face another title contender, while also offering the potential to rebuild the two-game gap in the primary.
Destiny is still in Fremantle’s hands and there is absolutely no need to worry.
West Coast Eagles
What went right? Last three quarters.
After the first 30 minutes, West Coast won the match by four points.
I wish it were that simple.
Another bummer was on the cards at the first change.
But they rolled up their sleeves, increased the pressure and challenge, improved their fielding areas and tried to get back into the game.
West Coast scored four consecutive touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, was loaded with runs and was dominating.
They gave themselves an outside chance of victory by finishing in the top 10 of the last term’s 50s, but they lacked polish in the important moments.
Coach Andrew McQualter will be encouraged by the response, but will be heavily involved in examining slow starts.
What went wrong? First quarter.
Adelaide was looking for revenge after the previous week’s dismal Showdown showing.
The Eagles took off early as they prepared for this one.
The Crows scored the first three goals within five minutes and scored six of the seven goals in the opening term to take a 29-point lead at the first change.
Darcy Fogarty kicked three goals in her first four kicks and as West Coast battled hard, Adelaide’s offense in the first quarter made the difference.
Silver lining? Oliver Francou’s debut.
The son of Port’s great Josh certainly stood out.
The 20-year-old actress didn’t look out of place, using her larger body to make her presence felt.
Selected in the mid-season draft, Francou impressed in his month-long stint in the WAFL.
Francou seized the AFL opportunity with both hands and produced a game-high nine tackles, including seven in the first half to finish with 18 disposals.
