An 11-game RAC Derby winning streak came to end tonight when Fremantle endured in a compelling clash by 15 points at Optus Stadium.

After slipping to a 44-point deficit in the second quarter, the Eagles fought back boldly, got to within 11 points and third quarter before the Dockers responded to win 12.7 (79) to 9.10 (64).

It seemed the Eagles had started the final quarter in the manner they needed but the video umpire deemed a snap from Jamie Cripps had been touched.

The Eagles kept coming, but needed everything to right and unfortunately that was not the case.

Senior players Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff, Jack Redden and Luke Shuey did all they could in the heart of the contest, while Jeremy McGovern, Tom Barrass and Tom Cole stood tall in defence, while Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling provided solid making targets.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 15: Alex Witherden of the Eagles is tackled by Caleb Serong of the Dockers during the 2021 AFL Round 22 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan also looked dangerous, but Fremantle kept finding a little extra when it was needed.

After Kennedy kicked two early goals in the opening quarter, the Eagles were stunned by the Dockers onslaught that saw them kick eight goals for the term to lead by 30 points at the first change.

Their pressure was forcing the Eagles into error, they won more ball through the midfield and were cleaner with their entries.

It seemed as though the Dockers scored – or at the very least looked threatening – every time they penetrated the 50 metre arc as they hit up targets in good position.

Conversely the Eagles were fumbly, wasted opportunities and were generally reactive.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 15: Jamie Cripps of the Eagles attempts a mark during the 2021 AFL Round 22 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

Things did not get a lot better in the second quarter, but at least the Eagles started to get more of the football and lost the quarter only because they could not convert gilt-edged opportunities.

They kicked 1.5 for the term, but were getting more ball through Yeo, Tim Kelly and Redden while Naitanui continued to win the ruck battle.

The result though, remained the same with the Eagles having plenty of work ahead of them, trailing 4.7 (31) to 10.2 (62). While scoring shots would suggest it was tight, the Dockers were more accurate because they used the ball better and took good options inside the forward 50.

That task became more difficult when Kelly was subbed out with a knee injury at half-time, with Zac Langdon injected into the game.

Details

Fremantle                        8.2     10.2     11.2     12.7     79
West Coast Eagles            3.2     4.7       7.9       9.10     64

Goals
Fremantle: Taberner 3; Schultz, Serong 2; Mundy, Colyer, Cerra, Treacy.
West Coast Eagles: Kennedy, Ryan 3; Darling 2; Witherden.

Best
Fremantle: Serong, Mundy, Cerra, Darcy, Taberner, Ryan.
West Coast Eagles: Gaff, Redden, Cole, Naiatnui, Kennedy, Ryan.

Injuries
Fremantle: Connor Blakely (hamstring) replaced by Brett Bewley in the last quarter.
West Coast Eagles: Tim Kelly (knee) subbed out at half-time and replaced by Zac Langdon.

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