1. Ross can fix it
'Ross the Rebuilder' tossed in two more kids to make it four debutants in just two weeks for Freo. South Australian Mitch Crowden and No.5 draft pick Adam Cerra got their chances a week after Andrew Brayshaw and Bailey Banfield debuted in round one. Both new chums were involved early, feisty Crowden started at half-back and was soon getting down and dirty, showing a likeness for laying a big tackle. Cerra had a set shot within the opening three minutes, which he missed. But he nailed one in the third term and another in the fourth and looks a class act. Banfield got the big job tagging the prolific Zach Merrett in just his second game and did OK. Add in recruits Nathan Wilson and Brandon Matera and it represents a massive changing of the guard. The youth policy might spell the end for Danyle Pearce, who played his 256th game in round one before making way.
WATCH: Docker draftee gets a debut goal
2. Woosha makes running repairs
The Bombers beat Adelaide in round one and came to Perth with high expectations. While they look better than last season they’ve still got some ground to make up on the best teams. Big-name recruit Jake Stringer failed to fire, his highlight being when he took on the Hill brothers in a two-on-one wrestle in the second term. He just didn’t get near it enough to have an impact on the match. Stringer finished without a goal and had just nine disposals. The other recruits had better nights especially Devon Smith, who was industrious in the midfield, laying 13 tackles, and up forward. Adam Saad also did a good job on Brandon Matera in defence.
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3. Purple Haze settles into its new home
Fremantle was the second WA club to join the AFL and second to get their Optus Stadium debut. But at least the Dockers got a much better day weather-wise than the overcast, rainy Sunday which greeted the Eagles in round one. The balmy autumn afternoon/evening attracted a sea of purple, the crowd of 49,021 against the 53,553 that watched the Swans spoil the Eagles first game at the venue. It was a notable day as well for everyone’s favourite ump, WA’s own Dean Margetts who officiated in his 300th AFL match.
WATCH: Taberner gets the Freo crowd going
4. Fyfe factor starting to add up
Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe led his side out in the historic match and showed the way all evening. Clearances, contested marks, winning the hard ball and booting goals, the Freo skipper can do it all. Even a pile-driving tackle to stop Joe Daniher in the third quarter. Numbers don’t tell the story of the Fyfe factor but they were pretty good all the same - 29 disposals and seven marks. Bombers star Merrett had similar numbers but not the same effect on the game. However, he appeared to be fully recovered from a head knock he copped in the season opener which saw Crow Richard Douglas banned for a week.
WATCH: Dockers leaders back to their best
5. Clanger of all clangers
He’s a high draft pick, a superb athlete and outstanding ball user but Stephen Hill reminded us that we can all make mistakes. His miscued kick-in from a behind midway through the third term went straight to the man on the mark, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti who delivered the ultimate punishment.
