Patersons Stadium, Saturday, March 23, 4.40pm (AWDT)
MISSING
Fremantle: Anthony Morabito (knee), Aaron Sandilands (hamstring), Matt Taberner (glandular fever)
West Coast: Adam Carter (ankle), Daniel Kerr (knee), Nic Naitanui (groin), Mark Nicoski (hamstring), Matt Rosa (quad), Sharrod Wellingham (ankle)
LAST WEEK
Fremantle: Ross Lyon selected a full-strength team against an inexperienced Western Bulldogs in the club's final NAB Cup match a fortnight ago, winning in Mandurah by 109 points. Nat Fyfe was dominant in the midfield, while forwards Matthew Pavlich and Chris Mayne played themselves into form after injury-interrupted pre-seasons.
West Coast: The Eagles finished their pre-season with a six-point loss to Port Adelaide in Alice Springs, playing close to their best available team. Josh Kennedy booted five goals, while Luke Shuey led the way in the midfield.
WHAT THEY SAY
Fremantle: "He (Griffin) grabbed his opportunity last year to the point where he kept Aaron out of the team because he was playing good football. We are really confident in his ability to compete at AFL level and carry the mantle of being the No. 1 ruckman. He is really excited at the moment to be going into a derby." – coach Ross Lyon
West Coast: "Those names (Naitanui, Kerr, Wellingham, Rosa) are all obviously part of the midfield, but we haven't had them fore the whole pre-season. The guys that are in there have done all the work and are looking forward to the challenge." – coach John Worsfold
WE SAY
Fremantle: Fremantle won the last Derby by 65 points and they were missing Aaron Sandilands then. Jon Griffin is a proven performer and he will be supported by a full-strength midfield, with David Mundy, Michael Barlow and Nat Fyfe all primed for season-opener. A Derby win awaits if that influential trio can get on top at the stoppages.
West Coast: A test of depth looms for West Coast's midfield, robbing them of what is normally a great strength. Without All Australian Nic Naitanui, youngster Scott Lycett or rookie Callum Sinclair will be called on and ruckman Dean Cox also won't be able to push forward as often. The key omissions should tip things in Fremantle's favour.
