The Dockers equaled the best opening-term score in their history with a frightening blitzkrieg. The Dockers kicked 9.2 (56) to 0.4 (4). It was the fourth time the Dockers have kicked 9.2 for an opening term and the second time against West Coast. The 52-point quarter-time lead was also the Dockers' highest quarter-time lead in Derby history. The Dockers kicked the first 11 goals of the match and also delivered their highest ever first-half score against West Coast, 14.5 (89). It was the fourth highest first-half score in Dockers history.  

All the talk coming into the match was how to contain Nat Fyfe, David Mundy, Stephen Hill and Michael Barlow after the quartet combined for 135 possessions, 49 score involvements and eight goals against Geelong last week. In his 49th game, Lachie Neale expanded Freo’s ‘fab four’ into a fab five. Neale won the Ross Glendinning Medal in the round-seven Derby last season with 32 disposals and one goal. He won his second Glendinning medal on Sunday with a career-best 42 disposals and three goals. He is fast becoming an integral part of the Dockers' midfield.

The Eagles have already lost Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown to knee reconstructions this year. When Jeremy McGovern limped off with a knee complaint in the second term, the Eagles collectively held their breath. McGovern was chasing Matt Taberner when he landed awkwardly on his left knee. He limped off and was sent straight to the rooms for assessment. He returned after half-time and started the third term on the ground but limped off again late in the quarter and was immediately subbed out. The Eagles cannot afford to lose him, as he has been arguably their best player so far this season.

 

Pre-game, Ross Lyon and Adam Simpson both noted the ruck contest between Aaron Sandilands and Nic Naitanui would be pivotal. Sandilands won the duel. His service for his midfield in the first quarter was extraordinary and the Dockers dominated the clearances as a result. He finished with 33 hit-outs, 11 disposals and four marks. Naitanui was beaten but he wasn't disgraced. He was beaten in the hit-outs and marks but his ground level and tackling work was exceptional. He finished with 20 hit-outs, 12 disposals, one mark and two goals. Zac Clarke was outstanding as well for the Dockers in combination with Sandilands. He took 10 marks and kicked two goals to stretch the Eagles defence.

 

It was a dark day for the Eagles but there was one milestone worthy of note. When Mark LeCras kicked his first goal of the day on the run during the third term, he became just the third Eagle to kick 300 goals. Peter Sumich (514) and Phil Matera (389) are the only goalkickers ahead of him. LeCras became the 172nd player in VFL/AFL history to kick 300 majors. His teammate Josh Kennedy became the 171st last week against Carlton. But Kennedy is yet to reach 300 goals for West Coast after kicking 11 goals in 22 games at Carlton.