The Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating AFLW derby this Sunday at Fremantle Oval. With the Dockers holding a commanding 7-0 record over the Eagles in previous encounters, anticipation is building around the potential significance of this match for both teams.
During a joint press conference on Wednesday, the excitement was palpable. Daisy Pearce, head coach of the Eagles, confidently proclaimed the upcoming clash as “the biggest,” eliciting laughter from her counterpart, Lisa Webb of Fremantle. Webb responded, “It could be, yeah. I actually hope so,” highlighting the competitive spirit that defines these encounters.
Fremantle has traditionally been seen as the dominant force, often referred to as the ‘Big Sisters’ of the rivalry. However, this season presents a unique opportunity for West Coast, who enter the match with a strong record of 3-1. Their only setback came in a narrow five-point loss to Essendon in round two. Since that defeat, the Eagles have displayed resilience, securing victories with impressive final quarters against St Kilda and Port Adelaide.
In contrast, Fremantle’s season has been challenging. They began with a solid 22-point victory over Port but have since suffered significant defeats, including a record-breaking 100-point loss to North Melbourne. This marked the first time in AFLW history a team had lost by such a margin. Although the Dockers showed some improvement in their recent match against Sydney, they still faced a humbling 25-point defeat.
As the teams prepare for the derby, the stakes are high for Fremantle. With a current standing of 1-3, their hopes for finals qualification could be effectively dashed with another loss. Webb remains optimistic, emphasizing her team’s resilience. “We showed last year that under duress and challenges we can rise. I’ve got absolute strong belief and faith this group can do it again,” she stated.
Pearce, on the other hand, is cautious about the potential for overconfidence. “It would be another good sign of our progress as a squad,” she remarked, acknowledging the unique rivalry that exists between the two teams. “We approach this like we do any game, but to be able to tick that box would be another sign of our progress.”
As the countdown to Sunday continues, both teams recognize the significance of this derby, not just in terms of rivalry but also as a critical moment in the season. With both coaches expressing confidence in their teams, fans can expect a thrilling contest as the Dockers and Eagles battle it out for supremacy in the AFLW.
