Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we digest the talking points from the weekend’s games – and the highlights, frustrations and silver linings WA footy fans can cling to as the season progresses.
On Thursday, the Dockers made it a WA record 13 straight victories with a memorable come-from-behind triumph over Geelong.
Shai Bolton pulled in a soaring screamer, putting in his best nomination for Mark of the Year, while Luke Jackson was outstanding again.
The athletic ruck dominated, booting three goals to strengthen his grip on a maiden All Australian jacket, his 2026 season to make for fascinating viewing come Brownlow Medal night.
What went right? Fremantle’s resilience and maturity was on display when things could have easily gone pear-shaped.
At 28 points down in the second term after countless missed shots, they would have been forgiven to struggle to overcome their frustrations.
But three quick goals to Pat Voss, Josh Treacy and Jackson swung the match, leaving Fremantle trailing by just nine points at the main break when it seemed it would be much more.
And their stars played major roles.
Jackson was immense, in a clear best on ground performance.
Andy Brayshaw had 16 third-term touches.
The returning Caleb Serong kicked a crucial stoppage goal as the Dockers booted five consecutive majors in the third term, while Jye Amiss overcame his early goalkicking woes.
Psychologically, there’s the advantage of overcoming the only side to defeat them this year, which could prove beneficial come the post-season.
More importantly, Fremantle moved a game clear on top of the ladder while opening up a four-game and percentage buffer inside the top four.
What went wrong? The Dockers’ inaccuracy.
Fremantle had no issue hitting the scoreboard, the problem was, they couldn’t buy a goal. The hosts had 20 managed 20 scoring shots from 28 inside-50s at the main break, but still trailed.
At one stage, Fremantle had kicked seven behinds to be 3.11 while Geelong was cashing in. The Dockers were hammered on turnover and the Cats forwards worked brilliantly, able to isolate the Dockers defence and get one on one contests.
Geelong went on a seven goal run and threatened to blow the game open.
Silver lining? Alex Pearce.
On a night where he celebrated his 150th game, the no-nonsense defender showed exactly why he is chosen by his peers to be captain.
Reliable, tough and courageous, Pearce was this and more in the heat of the battle. He stood tall when required and his calm, cool head ensured the Dockers repelled many of the Cats attacking assaults.
The 31-year-old managed a game-high 11 intercept possessions, seven of which were marks.
Pearce has taken 13 long years to reach life membership, mainly due to some horrific injuries.
But his determination to forge ahead and the respect he demands both internally and externally, highlight how much he means to the club and how crucial he is in the quest for an historic maiden premiership.
Paddy Sweeney is a Nine News Perth sports presenter and journalist.
