SUMMARY
This is one of the most anticipated Western Derbies in history, but it may not be the last derby of the year. The two clubs have never played each other in a final but they are fighting to finish first and second. The Eagles face a huge challenge given their personnel issues and the loss to Hawthorn last week. The Dockers are getting back to their best form. It will be won and lost in the midfield, where the Dockers' big bodies monstered the Eagles' on-ballers in round three. But that was a long time ago and the Eagles' midfield is now playing with much more confidence.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, August 16, 2.40pm
AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2015, Fremantle 17.9 (111) d West Coast 12.9 (81) at Subiaco Oval
R15, 2014, Fremantle 13.10 (88) d West Coast 11.15 (81) at Subiaco Oval
R7, 2014, Fremantle 11.7 (73) d West Coast 7.12 (54) at Subiaco Oval
R16, 2013, Fremantle 19.7 (121) d West Coast 14.9 (93) at Subiaco Oval
R1, 2013, Fremantle 16.12 (108) d West Coast 11.14 (80) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. Fremantle dominated West Coast earlier this season, kicking nine goals to four behinds in the first quarter and led by 11 goals at half-time. Lachie Neale starred with 42 disposals, 10 marks and three goals.
2. It will be a battle of the best defence in 2015 and the second best offence. The Dockers are conceding only 66 points per game while the Eagles are kicking 103 points per game.
3. These are the two best ruck divisions in 2015. Fremantle is ranked first for hit-outs per game with 60.2, while the Eagles are second averaging 53.3.
4. This will be the 42nd Derby and West Coast holds a narrow advantage, winning 21 games to 20. The Eagles won 14 of the first 18. The Dockers have won 16 of the last 23, including the last six in a row.
5. West Coast is ranked second for inside 50s this season averaging 55.8 per game, and is equal third for marks inside 50. Fremantle is 11th for inside 50s and 13th for marks inside 50.
6. The Eagles have more midfielders in the top 25 on the Official AFL Player ratings than the Dockers. Nat Fyfe is the number one ranked player in the AFL. But Matt Priddis (14) and Luke Shuey (22) are ranked ahead of the Dockers' next best, David Mundy (37).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Luke Shuey
The last time the Eagles beat Fremantle Luke Shuey had 26 disposals and kicked a goal. Since then he's averaged 15 touches and has kicked just one goal in five games against the Dockers. If he can get off the leash the Eagles will be a big chance.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 20 points
