Freo extended their derby dominance, but one thing keeps dogging the Dockers
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.
Western Derby 63 continued its recent run with the Dockers dismantling the Eagles.
The 70-point margin was their 10th win in the last 11 derbies and continues the one-sided nature of our inter-city rivalry.
Fremantle’s win this season puts them on par with the team that won 17 matches in 2015.
They will beat the Bulldogs on Friday and add another first to their already record-breaking season.
Fremantle Dockers
What went right? Dissemination of contributors.
Fremantle had a number of valuable contributions, with Murphy Reid rated as the best on the field.
Matt Johnson, Caleb Serong, Andy Brayshaw and Jye Amiss were among the best, all staking claims for the Glendinning-Allen Medal.
The Dockers’ depth has reached another level in 2026 and will be needed in September and all signs look positive.
What went wrong? It starts slowly.
The Dockers were again behind on the scoreboard at the first change of the fourth straight game.
Teams are definitely bringing the heat early to try to push back the leaders in the standings, and that’s something they need to be careful of.
It was wrong not to help their cause; Michael Frederick’s haphazard approach from the top of the castle square was the most costly.
The Dockers had eight goals (twice as many as West Coast) but managed only two goals, six behind.
It’s an area they need to clean up.
Silver lining? Jye Amiss.
It was the best night of his career for the sniper, who scored five goals for the first time in his 90-game career.
Both of these matches were against the Eagles and both saw him score 24 goals in eight Derbies in 2026, his best return against any opposition.
The 22-year-old is clearly benefiting from playing alongside Josh Treacy and Patrick Voss, but as Justin Longmuir hinted post-game, he has become more dangerous.
Once a standout, Amiss is now big enough to hold his own in one-on-one marking contests.
He scored 48 goals throughout the season, was kept goalless just twice, and has set up a campaign that will see his name discussed all over Australia’s selection table.
West Coast Eagles
What went right? Opening quarter.
West Coast went to work early on in the mid-clearances and challenged Fremantle with their ability to run in waves and move the ball quickly.
Hamish Davis capitalized on this by scoring the opening goal, while Tom Cole, who helped set up the first goal, struck really well after collecting the loose ball.
While his namesake was judged the best on the field, Harley Reid was outstanding.
The 21-year-old battled bravely against a stacked Dockers midfield, collecting 30 touches, a match-high 12 carries (five more than the next best) and a match-high 15 touches.
He played on the edge and his matchup with Matthew Johnson was fascinating.
What went wrong? The big question going into the game was how long West Coast could maintain the pressure and physicality that would take them to Fremantle.
Reply? One half.
It was one-way traffic after the main break as the Dockers went on a winning streak in the match, scoring 11 of the last 12 goals.
Their bigger, sleeker and more mature bodies floored the Eagles.
Young recruit Oliver Francou’s nasty, deep cut on his knee will keep him out for several weeks.
In just his fourth game, the 20-year-old was second best after a tackle on Andy Brayshaw; His own boot cut his skin, requiring plastic surgery treatment.
Silver lining? Marcus Herbert.
The Eagles’ other midseason draft pick continues to make a big impact.
The 23-year-old has shown his composure, good skills and decision-making in his six appearances since joining the club.
Herbert has a strong build and was at his best performance for the club on Friday night; He collected a career-best 36 touches to stay eight points behind at halftime.
Originally joining West Coast on a six-month contract, you can expect him to re-sign very soon.
Paddy Sweeney is a Nine News Perth sports presenter and journalist.
