A Tale of Two Teams: Fremantle and West Coast in the AFL Season
As the Australian Football League (AFL) season progresses, the contrast between two Western Australia-based teams has never been more pronounced. The Fremantle Dockers are showing signs of becoming serious contenders for a premiership, while the West Coast Eagles continue to struggle with their performance on the field.
Fremantle’s Comeback Victory
Fremantle made headlines after securing a thrilling 12.16 (88) to 11.7 (73) victory over the Hawks at Optus Stadium. Despite being down by 19 points in the last quarter, the Dockers displayed remarkable resilience and grit. This win marks the fourth out of eight games for the team this season, with two of those victories coming away from home against teams that made the finals in 2025.
This kind of performance is rare for the Dockers, who have had several false dawns in their 30-year history. However, there is a sense that something different is happening now. While it would be unwise to predict a first flag at this stage, the current form of the team suggests they could be on the right path.
West Coast’s Struggles
In stark contrast, the West Coast Eagles are facing a difficult season. Their recent defeat to Melbourne was another setback, with a final score of 15.9 (99) to 9.13 (67). The Eagles have struggled throughout the year, with only two of the last three wooden spoons won. They are likely to secure a fourth by the end of the season.
Early signs of hope were present when the Eagles managed comeback victories over North Melbourne and Port Adelaide. However, these moments were short-lived as the team faced a series of heavy losses, including a 128-point defeat to Sydney, a 46-point loss to Geelong, and a 56-point loss to Fremantle. The most recent blow came with a 101-point loss to St Kilda, marking their ninth triple-figure loss since 2022.
The Eagles’ decline has been steep, with their performance falling far below expectations. The club’s decision to trade heavily for Tim Kelly in 2019 has been questioned, but it is clear that other missteps in recruitment have contributed to their struggles.
Recruitment Strategies
West Coast has made several questionable decisions in their recruitment strategy, often prioritizing mature-aged players over young talent. This approach has led to an imbalance in their squad, with the youngest list in the AFL requiring careful management.
In contrast, the Fremantle Dockers have taken a more methodical approach to building their team. Under the guidance of list manager David Walls, the Dockers have assembled a strong roster of players, including Luke Jackson, Jordan Clark, and Shai Bolton. Their selections of Josh Treacy, Patrick Voss, and Mason Cox have also been praised, along with the acquisition of Murphy Reid with pick 17 in the 2024 draft.
The Dockers’ midfield is particularly strong, with players like Hayden Young, Andrew Brayshaw, and Caleb Serong adding power and grunt. However, the standout performer is Luke Jackson, whose ability to control the flow of the game was evident in the recent match against the Hawks. His consistent performance this season has placed him among the best big men in the league.
Looking Ahead
For the West Coast Eagles, there may still be hope. The club has two promising young players, Harley Reid and Willem Duursma, who could play a crucial role in the future. However, relying on just two young players to rebuild the team is not a sustainable strategy.
The Eagles could benefit from studying the Dockers’ approach to recruitment. By adopting a slow burn and focusing on long-term development, the Eagles might find a way to climb back to the top of the AFL.
As the season continues, both teams will need to adapt and evolve if they are to achieve their goals. For Fremantle, the current form is a positive sign, while West Coast must address their challenges head-on to avoid further disappointment.
