In a thrilling encounter at Optus Stadium, the 60th Western Derby between the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers unfolded with plenty of drama and intensity. Both teams entered the match seeking their first victory of the 2025 AFL season, having suffered defeats in their opening two games. The stakes were high, not just for the four points on offer, but for pride in this fierce rivalry.
Fremantle came into the match with a sense of urgency after a disappointing start to the season, including a heavy loss against Geelong and a narrow defeat to Sydney. Coach Justin Longmuir's side was under pressure to perform, and they made a bold move by debuting small forward Isaiah Dudley, who was set to add flair to their forward line. Meanwhile, West Coast, under the guidance of Andrew McQualter, was looking to build on a spirited performance against the reigning premiers, Brisbane, despite having been thrashed by Gold Coast in their season opener.
As the game kicked off at 6:10 PM AEDT, the atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides eager to witness their teams battle it out. The first quarter saw a flurry of action, with Fremantle quickly establishing themselves as the dominant force. Caleb Serong was particularly influential, racking up touches and driving the Dockers forward.
Fremantle's early momentum was punctuated by a standout performance from Dudley, who made an immediate impact by scoring two goals in the first quarter. His first came from a simple set shot after some excellent forward running, while his second was a spectacular effort on the run, showcasing his talent and poise under pressure. The Dockers led 27-19 at the first break, leaving the Eagles with much to ponder.
Despite the shaky start, West Coast responded with resilience. They managed to claw back some momentum, with Jack Williams and Liam Baker linking up effectively in the midfield. However, the Eagles' struggles with skill errors continued to haunt them, as evidenced by Amiss missing a straightforward chance from 35 metres out, which could have shifted the game's momentum.
As the match progressed into the second quarter, Fremantle maintained their lead, with a halftime score of 54-28 in favor of the Dockers. The 26-point advantage reflected their superior teamwork and execution. The Eagles, while showing flashes of brilliance, were unable to sustain their efforts, allowing Fremantle to dominate key moments of the game.
Throughout the first half, Serong emerged as a key player for the Dockers, amassing 11 touches by quarter time, while Eagles defender McGovern led his side with eight. The midfield battle was fierce, with both teams vying for control and attempting to capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents.
Fremantle's game plan appeared to revolve around solid defensive structures and quick transitions, which paid off as they locked the ball inside their forward 50 with impressive regularity. West Coast's defense struggled to keep up, often leaving gaps that Fremantle exploited effectively. The Dockers' ability to apply pressure and force turnovers proved crucial in maintaining their lead.
As the match reached its midway point, the Eagles faced a critical juncture. Coach McQualter's adjustments were necessary to counter Fremantle's dominance, and fans were left wondering whether West Coast could muster a comeback. With the third quarter looming, the Eagles needed to find a way to break through Fremantle's defense and regain their footing in the contest.
The Dockers, buoyed by their lead, looked to build on their advantage and secure their first win of the season. Fremantle's recent history against West Coast had been favorable, winning six of the last seven encounters, and they were determined to continue that trend.
With the second half on the horizon, fans were treated to an exciting spectacle, with both teams aware that this match could define their early season. The Eagles were desperate for a win to shake off the disappointment of their previous losses, while Fremantle was eager to prove their worth and silence any doubters. The stage was set for a gripping second half, with both teams fully aware of the significance of this derby.
As the players returned to the field for the third quarter, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Would West Coast be able to rally and turn the tide, or would Fremantle continue to assert their dominance in this pivotal clash? The action at Optus Stadium was far from over, and fans were on the edge of their seats, ready to witness the outcome of this fierce rivalry.
In conclusion, the Western Derby 60 had all the hallmarks of a classic encounter, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. As the match progressed, the stakes only heightened, and the battle for supremacy in Western Australia was set to continue into the second half.
