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.
Western Derby 63 continued its recent streak with the Dockers dismantling the Eagles.
The 70-point margin was their 10th win from their past 11 derbies and continues the one-sided nature of our cross-town rivalry.
Fremantle’s victory of the season moves them equal with the 2015 side, which also won 17 games.
A win over the Bulldogs on Friday, and they will add another first to their already record-breaking season.
Fremantle Dockers
What went right? The spread of contributors.
While Murphy Reid was judged best afield, Fremantle had an abundance of valuable contributors.
Matt Johnson, Caleb Serong, Andy Brayshaw and Jye Amiss were among the best, all pushing claims for the Glendinning-Allen Medal.
The Dockers’ depth has gone to another level in 2026 and will be needed in September and all signs are looking positive.
What went wrong? Sluggish starts.
The Dockers were again trailing on the scoreboard at the first change for the fourth consecutive match.
Teams are definitely bringing the heat early in an attempt to get the ladder leaders on the back foot and it’s something they’ll need to be mindful of.
Not helping their cause was inaccuracy, with Michael Frederick’s casual approach from the top of the goalsquare, the most costly.
The Dockers had eight scoring shots – double West Coast’s – but could only manage two goals, six behinds.
It’s an area they need to clean up.
Silver lining? Jye Amiss.
It was an equal career best night for the sharp-shooter, kicking five goals for just the first time in his 90 game career.
Both of those games have been against the Eagles and both in 2026 – kicking 24 goals from eight Derbies all up – his best return against any opponent.
The 22-year-old is clearly benefiting from playing alongside Josh Treacy and Patrick Voss, but as Justin Longmuir alluded to post-game, he’s become more dangerous.
Once a lead-up forward, Amiss is now big enough to hold his own in one-on-one marking contests.
He’s kicked 48 goals for the season, held goalless on just two occasions, putting together a campaign which will have his name debated at the All Australian selection table.
West Coast Eagles
What went right? Their opening quarter.
West Coast got to work early at the centre clearances and challenged Fremantle with their ability to run in waves and move the ball quickly.
Hamish Davis was the beneficiary of this, kicking the opening goal, while Tom Cole – who helped set up the first – snapped truly after collecting a loose ball.
While his namesake was adjudicated best on ground, Harley Reid was outstanding.
The 21 year-old fought bravely against a stacked Dockers midfield, collecting 30 touches, a game-high 12 clearances (five more than the next best) and game-high 15 touches.
He played on the edge and his match-up with Matthew Johnson was captivating.
What went wrong? The big question entering the match was just how long West Coast could maintain the pressure and physicality to take it to Fremantle.
The answer? One half.
After the main break it was all one way traffic, the Dockers piling on 11 of the last 12 goals to streak away with the match.
Their bigger, classier and more mature bodies grounded down the Eagles.
A nasty, deep cut to young recruit Oliver Francou’s knee is set to sideline him for multiple weeks.
In just his fourth game, the 20 year-old came off second best following a tackle on Andy Brayshaw, his own boot slicing through his skin, requiring plastic surgery treatment.
Silver lining? Marcus Herbert.
The Eagles other mid-season draftee continues to make a big impact.
The 23 year-old has shown composure, good skills and decision-making in his six appearances since joining the club.
Herbert is powerfully built and on Friday night enjoyed his best showing for the club – gathering a career-best 36 touches, to go with eight marks off half-back.
Originally joining West Coast on a six-month contract, you can expect him to sign on again very soon.
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