Fremantle’s leaders stand tall as improved Eagles show some fight

Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we digest the talking points from the weekend’s games – and the highlights, frustrations and silver linings WA footy fans can cling to as the season progresses.

In consecutive weeks the Dockers have left Adelaide Oval with the four points in enthralling fashion.

Their one-goal win over the Magpies has them sitting second on the ladder ahead of a Western Derby and a clash with the lowly-ranked Carlton.

An improved West Coast showed some much-needed fight against Geelong, but were simply unable to match gears with one of the competition’s best.

While their first quarter was much improved and some individuals had their moments, injuries to key personnel will be closely monitored.

Fremantle Dockers

What went right? The leaders standing up in the moments which matter most.

Last week it was captain Alex Pearce, this week gun forward Josh Treacy.

The 23 year-old had been well-held by Billy Frampton, finishing goalless in the wet and wild Adelaide Oval conditions.

However, Treacy’s brilliant hands delivered when needed, backing back courageously in the defensive 50 to take a match-saving mark in the final two minutes.

It was proof while it may not be your match, it can be your moment.

And it’s not the first time he’s done it.

In their Round 19 clash last year, Treacy also went goalless before heading to defence, resulting in another decisive grab in a one-point victory.

What went wrong? Sean Darcy’s concussion.

The ruck exited in the game in the second term and will now miss next week’s Western Derby, paving the way for recruit Mason Cox to make his club debut.

It’s a disappointing outcome for Darcy who is yet to hit his straps this campaign as Luke Jackson continues to relish his greater responsibility.

Silver lining: Matt Johnson enjoyed two fine moments in the final term, suggesting he is developing into the midfielder the Dockers hoped he would.

The 23-year-old’s running prowess was on display, slicing through Adelaide Oval and delivering a beautiful pass to the leading Jye Amiss for the goal which closed the margin to a point.

Moments later he delivered the go-ahead goal when able to swoop on a Magpies turnover, escape the outstretched arms of Brayden Maynard and kick truly from 35 metres out.

West Coast Eagles

What went right? There was a response.

A week after an embarrassing triple-figure home defeat to the Swans, West Coast were tasked with getting on the road and facing last year’s Grand Finalists – Geelong.

Despite losing a seventh straight match to the Cats, the Eagles challenged their far more experienced and mature opposition.

The Eagles first quarters have been a major issue all year, but they were well and truly in the contest at the first break.

What went wrong? The time-on period in the second quarter was where Geelong broke free of the early arm-wrestle assuming control of the match.

Five consecutive Cats goals in 11 minutes made the margin 30 points at the main break, a buffer too big for West Coast to reel in and a reminder of how quickly good teams can put a break on the scoreboard.

Also? Injuries to duo Deven Robertson and Jack Graham.

There are concerns around the seriousness of Robertson’s left knee issue following a heavy collision with Cats ruck Mitchell Edwards.

The midfielder was barely able to put weight on it and didn’t return to the field.

Graham fought on bravely to play through a second quarter right arm injury.

The 28 year-old hard-nut could barely lift his arm at times and was regularly in pain, getting through the match with it heavily bandaged.

Silver lining: Bailey Williams return from injury for his first game of the season will go some way to alleviating the Eagles ruck problems.

The 25 year-old finished with 20 touches, seven clearances and 35 hit-outs to be one of West Coast’s best.

His athleticism ensured he had the better of his duel with young Cat Mitchell Edwards, ahead of a date with the Dockers and an expected Luke Jackson-Mason Cox double act.

Jobe Shanahan continues to take giant strides in his development, booting a career-best four goals to finish the day as the game’s most potent forward.