SUMMARY
The Eagles remain a game clear in second spot on the ladder despite being beaten up by North Melbourne in Hobart last round, but they have a tricky run to September and can't afford to slip up in Western Derby 48 against Fremantle. The Dockers have endured an ordinary five weeks – apart from a shock win over Port Adelaide – and are struggling to hit the scoreboard, but could rush back spearhead Matt Taberner after his return at Peel and Harley Bennell is in the mix for his long-awaited comeback. Freo could derail the Eagles' top-two ambitions with an upset but will be more desperate to end a run of six successive losses in the WA showcase. The occasion will be marked by the handing out of retrospective Ross Glendinning Medals, while the first Glendinning-Allan Medal will be awarded to best afield after the Dockers fought for recognition on the award in a bitter stoush before the round six derby.
WHERE AND WHEN: Optus Stadium, Sunday, August 5, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2018, West Coast 13.11 (89) d Fremantle 12.9 (81) at Optus Stadium
R17, 2017, West Coast 11.8 (74) d Fremantle 5.14 (44) at Subiaco Oval
R6, 2017, West Coast 16.7 (103) d Fremantle 9.8 (62) at Subiaco Oval
R20, 2016, West Coast 17.8 (110) d Fremantle 9.10 (64) at Subiaco Oval
R3, 2016, West Coast 12.20 (92) d Fremantle 8.11 (59) at Subiaco Oval
THE SIX POINTS
1. West Coast's run of six consecutive Western Derby victories is the club's second-longest streak after reeling off nine wins once Freo entered the competition in 1995. The overall record stands at 27-20 the Eagles' way.
2. The Dockers led by 20 points at quarter-time in round six before the Eagles fought back and controlled clearances (44-31) and inside 50s (55-45). Lachie Neale (35 disposals) and Shannon Hurn (31) shared the last Glendinning Medal.
3. West Coast struggled without spearhead Josh Kennedy last round but the Eagles' firepower (90 points per game, No.5 in the AFL) still looms as a concern for the Dockers (71ppg, ranked No.15).
4. Eagles mentor Adam Simpson has a 6-3 head-to-head advantage over Dockers coach Ross Lyon in Western Derby clashes.
5. West Coast is clearly the No.1 contested marking side in the AFL (13.7 per game) – led by bookends Jeremy McGovern (49) and Jack Darling (38) – while Freo is ranked 15th (9.1), with Brennan Cox leading the way (20).
6. Evergreen Freo veteran David Mundy looks certain to go on next year and why wouldn't he? The former skipper is in vintage form and has climbed 19 spots to 50th overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings after averaging 22 disposals and nearly a goal per game.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Jack Darling. With Kennedy sidelined, Darling went scoreless from only eight disposals against North Melbourne, and the big Eagle will need to stand up in the derby to help keep West Coast's top-two push on track.
PREDICTION: West Coast by 19 points
