In a thrilling display of talent and emotion, Isaiah Dudley made an unforgettable debut during the 60th Western Derby, leading the Fremantle Dockers against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The young forward, who is also the nephew of AFL legend Eddie Betts, kicked two early goals, setting the tone for a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
From the very first bounce, Dudley showcased his skills and determination. Within minutes of the game starting, he nailed his first career major, sending waves of excitement through the crowd. Just moments later, he followed it up with a stunning finish, further solidifying his place in the hearts of the Dockers' supporters. "It's pretty exciting, two WA teams. I'm pretty keen to see what it's like. I can't wait," Dudley expressed before the match, reflecting on the significance of playing in such a fierce rivalry.
The match itself was critical for both teams, as they entered the contest sitting at the bottom of the ladder—Fremantle in 17th and West Coast in 18th. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere at Optus Stadium was electric, with fans eager to see their teams break free from their winless streaks. The Dockers, coming off a tight loss to Sydney, were desperate for a victory, and Dudley’s performance in the first quarter certainly provided a spark.
Fremantle's coach, Justin Longmuir, made several late changes to his lineup, with Jaegar O'Meara and Corey Wagner being withdrawn due to illness and injury, respectively. In their place, James Aish and Karl Worner stepped in, but it was Dudley who stole the spotlight. His debut was particularly poignant for his family, who had flown in from South Australia to witness the historic moment. "I rang my mum about five minutes after (finding out), and they were over the moon and got emotional, so it was nice," Dudley shared, clearly moved by their presence.
As the game progressed, Dudley’s early goals set the tone for a competitive match. His teammates rallied around him, with veterans like Nat Fyfe providing guidance and support. Dudley had previously played alongside Fyfe in WAFL practice matches, and the opportunity to share the field with him in an AFL setting was a dream come true. “Playing alongside Fyfe—he’s one of my favourite players—so playing alongside him is pretty crazy, along with the other boys,” Dudley said, emphasizing the camaraderie within the team.
Despite Dudley’s outstanding start, the match was not without its challenges. The Eagles fought back, showcasing their own determination to turn the tide. Jack Graham made a notable return to the Eagles, and key forward Jack Williams also stepped up, adding to the intensity of the game. As the match unfolded, fans witnessed a fierce contest, with both teams vying for crucial points in the standings.
The significance of the RAC Derby cannot be understated; it is a clash steeped in history and rivalry, and Dudley’s debut added a fresh narrative to the storied rivalry. The atmosphere was palpable, with supporters of both teams chanting and cheering, creating an electrifying backdrop for the players on the field. The excitement surrounding Dudley was evident, not only from his family but from fans who were eager to see how the young talent would perform under pressure.
As the first quarter concluded, Dudley had already made his mark, but the game was far from over. His performance sparked hope for the Dockers, who were in search of their first win of the season. The energy in the stadium was infectious, with fans rallying behind their teams, and the stakes only grew higher as the match progressed.
Throughout the game, Dudley remained focused on his role, emphasizing his commitment to bringing his strengths to the forefront. "My forward pressure, repeat efforts, and then bringing my strengths—that’s the reason why I’m here, to bring my strengths and x-factor,” he stated, showcasing his understanding of what was needed from him as a debutant.
As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. Both teams fought valiantly, with each possession becoming increasingly critical. The Dockers were determined to capitalize on Dudley’s early momentum, while the Eagles were equally eager to respond and turn the game in their favor. The match was a showcase of skill, determination, and the sheer will to win, epitomizing what the RAC Derby is all about.
With the game still ongoing, fans were left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the outcome. Dudley’s debut had already become a highlight of the match, and as he continued to play with heart and tenacity, it was clear that this was just the beginning of what could be a promising career in the AFL.
As the match unfolded, the excitement surrounding Dudley and the Dockers only intensified. His family’s presence and the support of his teammates created a memorable atmosphere that underscored the significance of the day. Whether or not the Dockers could secure a victory remained to be seen, but one thing was certain: Isaiah Dudley had made his mark in the AFL, and the future looked bright for the young star.
