SUMMARY
The Dockers start warm favourites, having won the past five derbies and having started so impressively this season. But the Eagles have shown some good form this year so far and they have not been blown away in the last four clashes. The biggest issue for the Eagles is how to stop the Dockers' rampant midfield. Nic Naitanui has been brilliant in the first two weeks but Aaron Sandilands in the toughest ruck test in the country. Freo will be without their barometer in Hayden Ballantyne. They lost three of the four matches he missed last season.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday, April 19, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2014, Fremantle 13.10 (88) d West Coast 11.15 (81) at Domain Stadium
R7, 2014, Fremantle 11.7 (73) d West Coast 7.12 (54) at Domain Stadium
R16, 2013, Fremantle 19.7 (121) d West Coast 14.9 (93) at Domain Stadium
R1, 2013, Fremantle 16.12 (108) d West Coast 11.14 (80) at Domain Stadium
R19, 2012, Fremantle 17.11 (113) d West Coast 6.12 (48) at Domain Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. This will be the 41st Western Derby. West Coast holds a narrow advantage winning 21 games to 19. The Eagles won 14 of the first 17.
2. Fremantle has dominated the Eagles in recent seasons winning the past five derbies and 14 of the last 18. West Coast's last win was in round nine, 2012.
3. Fremantle has two of the top three possession winners in the AFL so far. David Mundy and Nat Fyfe are ranked second and third with 68 and 67 disposals respectively.
4. West Coast forward Josh Kennedy tops the league goalkicking after the first two rounds with 12. Jamie Cripps is equal fourth with seven. Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich has kicked six.
5. Aaron Sandilands is number one for hit-outs in the competition after two weeks. He has 86, 12 ahead of the next best. Nic Naitanui is ranked fourth with 70.
6. The umpires ranked Matt Priddis and Nat Fyfe as the top two players in the AFL last year. But Priddis (26th) is ranked 16 spots lower than Fyfe (ninth) on the Official AFL Player Ratings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Matt Rosa. The Eagles veteran did a terrific job shutting down Carlton's Chris Judd after quarter-time last week. With Scott Selwood in doubt, Rosa may be required to fill another run-with role. The target could be Nat Fyfe, David Mundy or Stephen Hill.
PREDICTION: Fremantle by 25 points
