SUMMARY
This shapes as one of the most significant early season derbies in recent memory. Both sides finished in the top four last season but both could do their finals chances significant damage with another loss this week. The Dockers are trying to avoid dropping the first three games of a season for the first time since 2009. The Eagles started last season 1-2 but would want to avoid doing it again given they face a tougher draw in 2016. The match will be decided by whichever team wins the midfield battle. The Dockers are conceding big scores from centre clearances this season despite their midfield power and the Eagles are one of the most damaging centre square combinations led by Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey.
West Coast will be looking for more from No.2 ruckman Scott Lycett. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Saturday, April 9, 5.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2015, West Coast 15.14 (104) d Fremantle 11.14 (80) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2015, Fremantle 17.9 (111) d West Coast 12.9 (81) at Domain Stadium
R15, 2014, Fremantle 13.10 (88) d West Coast 11.15 (81) at Domain Stadium
R7, 2014, Fremantle 11.7 (73) d West Coast 7.12 (54) at Domain Stadium
R16, 2013, Fremantle 19.7 (121) d West Coast 14.9 (93) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Eagles won the most recent clash but finished the game with less disposals, marks, tackles, hit-outs and inside 50s. Josh Hill booted four goals and Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling kicked two each.
2. The Eagles' score of 7.11 (53) against Hawthorn was their lowest against any opposition since round four, 2014.
3. West Coast's derby victory in the second half of 2015 was its first over Fremantle since early in 2012. The Dockers had won the previous six.
4. Fremantle hasn't lost the opening three games of a season since 2009. The Dockers haven't lost three games in a row in a season since early in 2012 and haven't lost consecutive games at Domain Stadium in the same season since early in 2012.
5. In their opening two matches the Dockers' team defence has struggled, conceding over 100 points in both games. In the combined first halves they've allowed a total of 20 goals to seven.
6. The derby will feature two of the top three ruckman on the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Nic Naitanui (No.7) and Aaron Sandilands (No.15) are ranked behind last year's All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein (No.4).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Scott Lycett. He played well in the first round but missed some chances to really impact the game against Hawthorn. He is likely to face Alex Pearce in the ruck when Aaron Sandilands is resting and should try to capitalize given the Docker's relative experience.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 10 points
