SUMMARY
The 46th and, almost certainly, final Western Derby at Domain Stadium, has plenty riding on it. The Eagles' top-eight bid is on shaky ground after a deflating home loss to Port Adelaide – their third defeat in four games at their one-time fortress – and coach Adam Simpson is searching for answers to his side's inconsistency. The return of injured spearhead Josh Kennedy, who has booted 13 goals in the past two derbies, can't come soon enough. Fremantle's young side is riding high after snapping a five-game losing streak in thrilling fashion against North Melbourne, with debutant Ryan Nyhuis booting four goals. Skipper Nat Fyfe is coming off his best game for the season and looks to have his explosive power back, and Freo's midfield – even without Aaron Sandilands – could hold the key to the contest. The Eagles have won four consecutive derbies to lead the overall tally 25-20, but the Dockers will fancy their chances and can keep their slim finals hopes alive – and derail West Coast's season - with victory on Sunday.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, July 16, 2.40PM AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2017, West Coast 16.7 (103) d Fremantle Dockers 9.8 (62) at Domain Stadium
R20, 2016, West Coast 17.8 (110) d Fremantle Dockers 9.10 (64) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2016, West Coast 12.20 (92) d Fremantle Dockers 8.11 (59) at Domain Stadium
R20, 2015, West Coast 15.14 (104) d Fremantle Dockers 11.14 (80) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 17.9 (111) d West Coast 12.9 (81) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Josh Kennedy won back-to-back Ross Glendinning Medals after snaring six goals in round six, when the Eagles killed the contest early by kicking seven-goals-to-one by quarter-time. Elliot Yeo was superb for West Coast with 32 disposals and 14 marks.
2. Fremantle has been a low-scoring side again this year, ranked 17 for points with 77 per game, and have managed 100 or more in a game only twice. The Eagles are averaging 89 points (AFL No.10), but haven't topped the ton since the last derby.
3. The Eagles hold the Western Derby advantage 25-20 after four-straight victories. The Dockers won the previous six clashes.
4. Nearly 1.8 million fans have watched the 45 derbies – an average of 39,908 per game. The biggest crowd was 43,527 in round 21, 2006 when the Eagles were on top of the ladder and Freo was fourth.
5. West Coast has lost three games at home this season. The last time the Eagles lost that many matches at Domain Stadium but still played finals was in 2007.
6. Midfield strength is Fremantle's weapon and the Dockers' top six players in the Official AFL Player Ratings – Lachie Neale (13), David Mundy (61), Michael Walters (76), Stephen Hill (80), Nat Fyfe (98) and Bradley Hill (202) – all run through the engine room.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Matt Priddis
The Brownlow medallist's impact has dipped this season amid questions about his ability to play alongside fellow veteran Sam Mitchell in midfield. Priddis, who has had just 36 touches in his past two games, is a two-time Glendinning Medal winner and the Eagles need a lift from the 32-year-old at the coalface.
PREDICTION: West Coast by five points.
