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.
It was a weekend of opposites for our teams as the Dockers gave the purple army the perfect beginning to a long weekend.
Four points on the road, clinched in the most dramatic of finishes. Things are good for Fremantle fans currently.
On the flipside, West Coast fans could be forgiven for having their Easter ruined.
A tick under 51,000 rocked up on Saturday afternoon only to watch the Eagles get walked over from start to finish.
It was a showing which brought back deep, dark memories of past seasons where heavy defeats were regular.
Fremantle Dockers
What went right? The Adelaide Ace struck again.
Alex Pearce is making a habit out of standing up when his team needs him most.
In consecutive years, the captain has been the match saver and match winner.
On Friday night, Pearce produced the game saving moment – a full-stretch, diving smother to deny James Peatling and the Crows final forward thrust.
Last year, in almost the exact spot on the ground, he kicked truly in the final minute to sink Port Adelaide.
2) Jye Amiss. Only a fortnight ago, I was worried how the forward was tracking.
He was better in the win over Richmond, while against the Crows he was the most dangerous forward in the opening half, before finishing with a career-equalling four goals.
What went wrong? From the 10-minute mark of the third term, the Crows got to work and Fremantle were unable to halt their momentum.
Adelaide quickly slammed on five goals and made it seven unanswered early in the fourth term as the Dockers 34-point lead became a 10-point deficit.
Being able to compose themselves, come again and get a result was hugely admirable, but Fremantle will heavily review this period understanding they need to be better.
Silver lining: Fremantle will return to Adelaide for Friday’s Gather Round clash against a Collingwood side sweating on the fitness of Nick Daicos.
There’s no guarantees the superstar will line-up after being a late out for the Brisbane match due to a corked calf.
The Magpies are already missing skipper Darcy Moore while Scott Pendlebury is struggling with an Achilles injury.
West Coast Eagles
What went right? Nothing.
The 128-point belting was West Coast’s fifth worst in their 40 years and heaviest defeat at Optus Stadium.
Joel Amartey kicked the first goal in the opening minute, setting the tone.
The only saving grace was Sydney weren’t able to replicate their 171-point mauling from 2023.
Willem Duursma’s two goals and Jobe Shanahan’s versatility to go back when required gave optimistic fans something to hang on to, on an otherwise very grim night.
What went wrong? Everything.
Their slow starts have been an issue this year and the Eagles would realise very quickly no comeback was on the cards this week.
The Swans bagged the first 11 goals of the game, using their speed, skill and transition to slice the Eagles open with ease.
Sydney couldn’t have been more impressive.
After two wins on the bounce, this was a reality check of mass proportions.
Harley Reid felt the void left by midfielders Elliot Yeo and Deven Robertson, his impact quelled by tagger James Jordan.
Silver lining: There were no injuries.
Clutching at straws I know, but the only way Saturday’s defeat could have been worse was by adding names to the injury list.
Deven Robertson returns from suspension next week, while Elliot Yeo will be pushing to return from a groin injury, albeit likely to miss the Cats clash in Adelaide.
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Paddy Sweeney is a Nine News Perth sports presenter and journalist.
