Welcome back after the school holidays Eagles fans, hope you all enjoyed your break.

Saturday’s loss was tough. Nobody wants to give up a late lead, ever. Having said that, the trip to Melbourne was still enjoyable, catching up with fans at the game and at an open training session on Friday.

Moving on to THE DERBY!

It’s the best week of the year. It’s better than Christmas and Easter combined!

Everyone in the whole state is watching and Patersons Stadium is going to be a buzz with people cheering for the Eagles!

This is Derby 39, or XXXIX if you like roman numerals. The Eagles have won 21 of them over the years and Fremantle have won 17. Of our last five derbies, the Eagles have won only two, but you never know what’s going to happen in the Battle for WA, so statistics don’t really mean much.

It will be Dean Cox’s 100th consecutive game for the Eagles, he hasn’t missed a game since round 1 of the 2010 season! Speaking of Dean, this weekend’s game will be all about the Ruck. Expect a big impact from Dean and Nic Nat, Fremantle will be expecting a big match-up with the Dockers’ Aaron Sandilands.

So get ready for the game of the round and for trash talk from your school mates, because the Derby is here!

Go Eagles!

Love Rick.