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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.
The Dockers strengthened their grip on top spot, with an emphatic 51-point belting of the Suns pushing their buffer atop the ladder to two games.
West Coast returned from the bye but looked a different team to the one who ran out in the month before the break.
They were belted early by the Blues and never recovered as Josh Fraser made it six straight wins as interim coach.
Fremantle Dockers
What went right?
The Dockers’ defence showed not only why they’re the best in the competition, but by a significant margin.
They’re organised, in sync, know when to attack and when to play the percentages and are hardly ever exposed or beaten in one on one contests.
On average, they conceded 67 points per game, more than two goals better off than the next-best team, Collingwood (80).
Fremantle allowed Gold Coast only 40 inside-50s, with the Suns taking just four marks inside the arc while Coleman Medal leader Ben King could manage only a lone goal.
In contrast, the Dockers had 54 entities, pulling in 17 insides 50 grabs. Led by skipper Alex Pearce, the defensive unit is the envy of all others.
What went wrong? It’s difficult to find flaws in another emphatic victory, but inaccurate goal kicking prevented the Dockers from blowing open the game earlier.
The hosts managed only three behinds in the second term as the rain began to fall.
On the flipside, Michael Frederick was a class above, perfect from his four shots on goal, in a highly effective game from the half forward.
Silver lining? Andy Brayshaw’s impact.
A ball magnet in years gone by, the 26 year-old has been given a more defensive and selfless role this season.
A team player, Brayshaw has evolved and built into the role with his most recent outings up there with his most prolific of the year.
Yesterday, he finished with the most metres gained (654), score involvements (10) inside 50s (eight), marks (nine) and tackles (six), while also kicking a goal.
He has always been a star, but his ability to adapt and allow others to grow is making Fremantle a more damaging team.
West Coast Eagles
What went right? Bailey Williams.
The Eagles big man has significantly improved his output and consistency this year and was behind only Harley Reid as his side’s best contributor on a tough afternoon.
The duo combined to deliver the Eagles first major with Williams leaping high into the air and tapping the ball into Reid’s path for him to kick a brilliant long-range goal.
A restricted free-agent, 26-year-old Williams is becoming a signature West Coast need to lock away as they struggle for ruck depth.
What went wrong? The first quarter.
Smashed in the contest early, the Blues set the tone, kicking the opening three goals after winning the first five clearances.
Carlton’s pressure was elite, the midfield proving too hard to stifle, George Hewett adding two majors and Patrick Cripps one as they skipped to a 27-point quarter time buffer.
The hosts bullied West Coast and played the game at the tempo they dictated.
Carlton compiled 133 marks, more than double West Coast’s (66), including 20 inside 50 compared to the Eagles four.
On top of this, they had an incredible 144 more disposals.
Silver lining? Their improved workaround clearance was reflected in a far more competitive showing in quarters two and three.
Harley Reid won a game-high 12 clearances, including seven centre bounce clearances in the opening half – the equal most in the past decade for a half of football.
The work at the source resulted in greater territory, more inside 50s and scoring, highlighting an area the Eagles must continue to seek gains in.
Paddy Sweeney is a Nine News Perth sports presenter and journalist.From our partners
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