Game seven of the 2014 NAB Challenge sees the competition head west, with the Fremantle Dockers set to face crosstown rivals the West Coast Eagles. Join us for live scores and coverage from 7:10pm (AEDT).
In 2013, Fremantle emerged as one of the strongest teams in the competition, their efforts culminating in a gallant defeat at the hands of Hawthorn in the Grand Final.
In complete contrast, the Eagles endured a horrid run with injuries and form, slumping to 13th by seasons end.
With a new coach at the helm, the major focus for the Eagles this year will be to keep their best side on the park, and show their critics that 2013 was simply a stumble, not a complete fall from the form and expectations they held in 2012.
The Dockers on the other hand will be driven by the most powerful force in football – recent memory of a premiership defeat. They are surely keen to prove they are contenders again this season.
Despite this match being just a preseason hit-out, every time these teams meet there is more than just victory and defeat on the line.
The rivalry between West Coast and Fremantle runs deep, reaching out across all parts of the city and state. Tonight, with little reward to play for, we can only hope that the contest is driven by the desire for pride.
Last year it was Fremantle who took the points in both regular season meetings, and they will have every intention of continuing that dominance this season.
For West Coast, being the small dog in town is unfamiliar territory, so a good win tonight could do wonders for their morale.
The Eagles have named a strong group including Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras. Notable big names that won’t be hitting the track include Beau Waters, Andrew Gaff and Nic Naitanui, all of whom are unfit to play.
Fremantle have also listed a strong squad with both Colin Sylvia and Scott Gumbleton set to make their debut in purple. They will each be looking to impress and hopefully secure a spot for round one.
Fremantle enter this match as deserved favourites, but it is sure to be far from a one-sided affair.
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
West Coast get a free kick for holding in the forward 50, with 30 seconds remaining. LeCras lines up for the last goal attempt of the game, and sprays his attempt out on the full as the last kick of the game And it's over. West Coast dominated from the outset, and at one point their lead was over 100 points. Fremantle battled hard, but simply couldn't take their few chances, but they did work back into it a little at the end Hurn and Brown scored early supergoals for the Eagles, while Cripps and Masten lead the scoring with 3 goals apiece, while Gumbleton top scored for Freo with 2 A few minor injury concerns towards the end of the match, but they were mostly corks and cramp At the end of the day, it's only February, with Fremantle coach Lyon admitting they weren't near the end of their preparation process, and this was just another warm up game. Fyfe showed his potential for the Dockers, while Pavlich proved how vital he will be to his team's chances this year Q4 0 remaining Fremantle 0.10.4 64 - West Coast 2.20.10 148
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Dockers get the clearance again, and an easy free kick on 50, but waste the resulting kick. They get it back, and decide to take some time off the clock They then go forward, and it's cut off Both teams well and truly winding down now Q4 2 remaining Fremantle 0.10.4 64 - West Coast 2.20.10 148
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Freo go quickly from the center bounce, to Pavlich, who gives to Neale, who has a go from about 50 out, and kicks a very good goal Q4 3 remaining Fremantle 0.10.4 64 - West Coast 2.20.10 148
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Another player has gone down hurt, Ballantyne with a calf issue, while Crozier has limped off. Not a good day for Fremantle Meanwhile, Shuey sidesteps about 4 players, and scores a good individual goal for West Coast Q4 5 remaining Fremantle 0.9.4 58 - West Coast 2.20.10 148
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Eagles go quickly from the bounce, which results in a ball up on the 50 meter line. Fremantle rebound well, and Gumbleton takes a good mark over the top of his man near goal. He kicks, and scores... just Q4 5 remaining Fremantle 0.9.4 58 - West Coast 2.19.10 142
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
A kick-about in the center square ensues before Fremantle kick a bomb out, which lands in the arms in a leaping Fyfe. He runs up, and kicks straight for the goal. Margin under 100 once again Q4 7 remaining Fremantle 0.8.4 52 - West Coast 2.19.10 142
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Danyle Pearce has suffered a nasty shoulder to the head, he looks in a great deal of discomfort Meanwhile, The eagles run easily through midfield, and Josh Hill kicks a good goal The Eagles have been very accurate today, especially from distance Q4 9 remaining Fremantle 0.7.4 46 - West Coast 2.19.10 142
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
A bomb into the Docker's forward 50 results in Ballantyne taking a strong mark close to goal. He takes an easy kick... and misses A few players going down hurt now too Q4 10 remaining Fremantle 0.7.4 46 - West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
After about 8 set pieces, and possession changing hands countless times.... nothing happens These players are out on their feet Q4 11 remaining Fremantle 0.7.3 45 - West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Yet another Freo clearance from the bounce, but it goes nowhere Eagles go forward with purpose, but Freo rebound to the center once again Q4 14 remaining Fremantle 0.7.3 45 - West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Pavlich chips well to Barlow, and Fremantle get another goal. This is better from the Dockers, even if it is too little, too late Q4 16 remaining Fremantle 0.7.3 45 - West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Fremantle get the lcearance from the bounce, and it goes to the boundary line. Surely the goal for Freo must to be keep the margin under 100 now West Coast have their say in that, and go forward down the wing, where it stagnates Q4 17 remaining Fremantle 0.6.3 39 - West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Pavlich takes a mark this time, and has time to set himself. Kicks from 40, and a beautiful goal to Fremantle Q4 18 remaining Fremantle 0.6.3 39 - West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Last quarter begins! Pavlich has a snap, rushed behind Q4 20 remaining Fremantle 0.5.3 33- West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
And so ends the 3rd quarter A largely lifeless quarter, with West Coast steadily adding a few more goals to their tally. The lead is now over 100 points, and both sides would just want this game to be over Q3 time Fremantle 0.5.2 32- West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Another 50 meter penalty against Freo gives newly transferred Eliot Yeo a shot on goal. He kicks a fine goal from 50 Q3 1 remaining Fremantle 0.5.2 32- West Coast 2.18.10 136
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Attackiing pressure causes a turnover to the Eagles, and then Cripps gets another chance thanks to a push in the back. He goes back, runs in, and sprays it a little. Behind Eagles Q3 2 remaining Fremantle 0.5.2 32- West Coast 2.17.10 129
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
The difference between the two sides is highlighted once again: Fremantle have ample opportunities to have a shot and waste them all The Eagles get one chance and run through the midfield effortlessly, resulting in a goal to Jamie Cripps Q3 6 remaining Fremantle 0.5.2 32- West Coast 2.17.9 129
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Eagles resume chipping the ball up the line, but it breaks down However, the Dockers' attack also goes nowhere West coast go on a good run, but stopped at the last kick They regain the ball, and regain composure Q3 10 remaining Fremantle 0.5.2 32- West Coast 2.16.9 123
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
Q3 11 remaining Fremantle 0.5.2 32- West Coast 2.16.9 123