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.
Fremantle, known as Walyalup during Sir Doug Nicholls Round, made it nine consecutive wins on the back of a powerful opening half, while Patrick Voss dined out on his former club.
The Eagles – Waalitj Marawar during Sir Doug Nicholls Round – booted the final four goals of the match to run over the top of GWS.
Their third win of the season was built on some shrewd coaching match-ups and increased pressure for sustained periods.
Fremantle Dockers
What went right? The ‘Prancing Pony’ is back.
Voss entered yesterday’s game averaging a goal a game this year with his confidence and form yet to return to last year’s breakout performance.
But what better way to recapture the mojo than a date at the home of footy with his former side?
The 22-year-old is at his best when he has a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. So the once-Essendon rookie, didn’t need too much motivation.
A stunning second quarter where he kicked four consecutive majors, including a brilliant set shot from the boundary, put the game beyond doubt.
Each goal was celebrated accordingly, taunting the Bombers and their fans.
Voss ended the day with a handful of majors, in his first match back at the MCG since his six-goal return in last year’s thrilling win over Collingwood.
What went wrong? The second half.
Fremantle held a 52-point margin, and while they went on to win by 43 points, they were beaten in clearances and contested possessions.
It will give Justin Longmuir and his coaches ammunition to continue to drive standards and strive for excellence.
They’re not the finished product and they will need to sharpen the pencil in the months to come.
These Dockers aren’t yet at their peak, but that’s the exciting bit.
Silver lining? The winning streak.
For the third time in club history, the Dockers have won nine consecutive matches. It occurred in 2006 and 2015, seasons Fremantle reached the preliminary finals.
On Friday night, Justin Longmuir’s men will have the chance to re-write history by becoming the first team in purple to notch 10 straight wins.
Standing in their way are the Saints, coached by Ross Lyon – the man who shares the current record alongside Justin Longmuir and Chris Connolly.
West Coast Eagles
What went right? Andrew McQualter’s coaching.
It’s been a brutal initiation, winning just four of 33 games, but yesterday’s victory may have been his most satisfying.
McQualter deployed two tagging roles.
Brady Hough was used to quell the impact of star on-baller Finn Callaghan and Milan Murdock to stop the run and carry of Lachie Whitfield.
Hough restricted Callaghan to 19 touches a year after claiming the three Brownlow Medal votes when producing a dominant 37-touch, 1-goal outing in the corresponding fixture.
Pre-season signing Murdock’s own running capabilities were used to never let Whitfield out of his sight.
The GWS veteran managed 21 disposals, but was held to only 284 metres gained. Murdock went everywhere Whitfield did, his night capped with a major on the final siren.
The discipline of the duo was outstanding, while McQualter’s ability to successfully reduce the impact of two Giant match-winners was significant.
What went wrong? While Milan Murdock played a brilliant, negating role on Lachie Whitfield, he also gave away a rare 100-metre penalty in the final term.
The umpire penalised the 25 year-old twice for “dissent”, making it three for the night for Murdock after an earlier indiscretion.
Entering round 10, West Coast had conceded 10 goals from 50-metre penalties this season, three more than any other side.
Silver lining? The Eagles’ youth.
While Harley Reid and Bailey Williams produced career-best displays, one of the most pleasing elements was the amount of contributors across the park.
Reuben Ginbey’s outstanding season continues, Josh Lindsay’s composure and skills are a feature.
Good things come whenever Willem Duursma’s involved, Hugh Davis is beginning to lock down a wing position while Jack Hutchinson and Malakai Champion had important moments.
Paddy Sweeney is a Nine News Perth sports presenter and journalist.
