Where and when: Optus Stadium, Friday, July 24, 6.10pm
TV: Live on 7 and 7plus in WA, nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Fremantle 14.13 (97) defeated West Coast 5.11 (41) at Optus Stadium, round 6, 2026.
Fremantle claimed a 56-point victory in Western Derby 62. Despite edging the Dockers in inside 50s (51-50) and contested possessions, the Eagles couldn't capitalise on their opportunities, with Fremantle making them pay on turnover. Reuben Ginbey was outstanding in defence, limiting Josh Treacy to one goal and three marks, while Tom McCarthy (28 disposals) and returning midfielder Elliot Yeo (21 disposals, one goal) battled hard. The Eagles briefly hit the front in the second quarter after Josh Lindsay kicked his maiden AFL goal, but Fremantle's tall forwards, led by Jye Amiss' five-goal haul, proved the difference as the Dockers pulled away in the second half.
What it means for the Eagles: The second Western Derby of the season presents a huge opportunity for West Coast to turn encouraging form into a statement result. While wins have been hard to come by, the Eagles have shown significant improvement in recent weeks and will be eager to be rewarded for their efforts against their cross-town rivals. With just four rounds remaining, a victory over the Dockers would not only secure Derby bragging rights but provide a significant confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the season.
The stat: West Coast still holds the overall edge in Western Derby history, winning 33 of the 62 meetings between the two clubs
The match-up: Jake Waterman v Alex Pearce
One of the key battles could be fought inside West Coast's forward 50, with Eagles spearhead Jake Waterman likely to line up against Fremantle captain Alex Pearce. Waterman remains the focal point of West Coast's attack and is capable of changing a game with his contested marking and scoreboard impact, while Pearce is one of the competition's premier key defenders and a cornerstone of the Dockers' league-best defence. If Waterman can have an influence, it will go a long way towards helping the Eagles challenge the ladder leaders.
It’s a big week for: Bailey Williams
Bailey Williams heads into the Western Derby on the back of signing a six-year contract extension this week that will keep him at West Coast until the end of 2032. The Eagles' dominant ruckman now faces one of his toughest tests of the season against in-form Docker Luke Jackson, whose influence around stoppages and around the ground has been a key driver of Fremantle's rise to the top of the ladder.
Big call: West Coast will produce its biggest win of the season, toppling the ladder leaders in a Derby boilover.
