West Coast will need to prepare for Fremantle with a fit-again Nat Fyfe as the two clubs prepare for the biggest western derby in recent memory.
On Sunday, the Eagles and Dockers meet for the first time as the AFL ladder’s top two with plenty on the line for both clubs.
For the Eagles, wins are needed to hold off fast finishers Hawthorn and claim a home qualifying final, while Ross Lyon’s side can put one hand on the minor premiership with success.
Thankfully the match doesn’t need hyping, as Lyon wasn’t interested in elevating the match beyond any other home and away match.
Lyon said he was no more eager to play the Eagles as he was St Kilda, Fremantle’s beaten opponents from Sunday.
“I’ve never really gotten caught up in the derby,” he said.
“What’s important is the state does (get caught up in it), the town does, all the media (do).
“Internally we need to stay focused.
“There’s four games to improve our footy and that’s just another one.”
Fremantle’s strong win over St Kilda on Sunday night confirmed a reversal of momentum between the two Western Australian sides.
Until a fortnight ago, West Coast were the league’s form team, with six straight wins.
Then came an action-packed draw on the Gold Coast and a reverse to Hawthorn, wobbling the Eagles surge to September.
Lyon’s side has backed up their own loss to the Hawks with four straight wins, the most impressive coming against the Saints.
Fremantle kicked 12 of the first 14 goals – including seven in a row from seven first-term marks inside 50 – before easing up on St Kilda.
While Lyon said Fyfe would be lining up after two weeks out with a calf injury, both teams will spend the week unsure of their best defensive options.
For the Eagles, Jeremy McGovern is a huge doubt after a hamstring injury, while Dockers veteran Luke McPharlin could also miss.
McPharlin was substituted with a calf injury against St Kilda and Lyon wasn’t prepared to rule him in or out.
“It’s corked, it’s serious enough that he might miss,” he said.
A ready-made replacement could be on hand with Michael Johnson due to return from a hamstring strain.
“The plan was to bring him back this week … we’ll decide whether it’s through (WAFL side) Peel or we bring him in,” Lyon said.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson could also miss Mark LeCras with his sloppy bump on Hawk James Frawley set for review and Nic Naitanui still on compassionate leave.
jax
Guest
Who would want to be 'normal'? Sheep are normal, predictable and easily led.
Chuznut
Guest
I can't stress enough how true this statement is.
Don Freo
Guest
My comments are no reflection of any other Freo supporter. Who do you think I am?
CJ
Guest
Actually mundy, pav and mcpharlin could miss
Johnny
Guest
Don't be dic*head Don and give Freo supporters a bad name. To love both sides in Perth is abnormal. And at the 'G no one does it better than the Hawks at full strength. Having said that I doubt that they will be as they will have a bruising finals lead up. Some serious niggles are being hidden. With Freo Roscoe is having a lend of all of you. He never gives you the real intent or situation, in fact he uses more subterfuge than most, but usually sucks 'em in. Clarko was relieved to get that win. At full strength Weagles may have won. It's all in how they land after bruising games and no one can predict coming injuries. Simmo is having a rough trott with his players, Clarko wants to talk it up and Roscoe is in the pilot's seat. Hang on to your hats!
Johnny
Guest
I agree there is a crack in the Hawks defense and also they can't decide on the best ruck combo, either that or one is always injured. At Subi the Hawks looked shaky for nearly 3 qtrs. It took great coaching from Clarkson by using Butgoyne in the 4th. Hodgey was stuffed. WCE missed NicNat and then McGovern happened. It wasn't as convincing as I've seen the Hawks previously. That's why they are vulnerable to a full strength side at Subi. I believe Freo are lifting and will have almost full strength by Finals. And it will be a Freo vs Hawks GF - but this time the purple will be smarter and wiser. BRING IT ON!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Sounds like a wonderful bit of BS that from Rosco - I like it!
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Well it has occurred to me with these reported scans, Ross Lyon has been discussing the impact the Docklands surface has and they have to return there next week.
Don Freo
Guest
Groan!!!
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Dal - I'd be very surprised if Fyfe and Johnson are recalled for this game like many are suggesting they will. Fyfe perhaps, but playing Johnson would be nuts! If Mundy and Pav are sus, they rest. Rosco is a smart coach (probably the smartest in my opinion) and he has a track record for this type of stuff. If memory serves me correct, didn't he rest like 10 players a few years back against the Hawks in Tassie? That was blatant tanking...I mean 'list management', and I expect he will do the same thing this week. He just doesn't need this win. He would be better off with a loss. He will still finish top. Some of the players look tired and could use the rest. One less week for Fyfe, Pav, Mundy etc...to get injured. It's all about the premiership and I would hate for this week to cost the Dockers...and I don't even support you guys. There is nothing appealing about earning top spot, only to play the WCE in a prelim. Because if you guys win this weekend, it's highly likely this will be the outcome.
jax
Guest
Freo has less to play before this Sunday. If they lose I wouldn't be reading too much into it. The Hawks and Freo are still the teams to beat.
paulywalnuts
Guest
It does? Bizarre. And how can something "sound whinier" with a silent letter. Even more bizarre. And by number three I assume you're referring to three time premiership player, All-Australian and B&F Jordan Lewis.
mattyb
Guest
Sounds whinier with an e,I dedicate it to your number three.
jax
Guest
The plot thickens. NicNat, McGovern and LeCras are confirmed outs for the derby. Sinclair will probably be a late call. I hate to see any player miss a game but in the interests of a fair derby a few top level Freo players missing would balance the ledger somewhat. I'd love Sandi to miss to compensate for Nic's absence but that's doubtful.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Interesting to see Mundy and Pav have been (rumoured to be) sent for scans on as yet unnamed areas and there is some doubt as to their availability for this weekend.
Freo As
Guest
The scores for the Holt Report are in: Provocation - 5/10 Entertainment - 3/10 Credibility - still searching for traces
Don Freo
Guest
That margin in Freo's first GF has grown to over 10 goals in your memory now? You could sell tickets to the dramas unfolding in your head.
AR
Guest
mattyb You are aware that Hawthorn is spelled without the "e"..?
Balthazar
Guest
WiG - surely your parents told you at some stage that repeating things often doesn't make them true. Pav hasn't been their highest scoring goal kicker since 2012. The team relies much more heavily on an even balance of goal kickers from its forwards, ruckmen and midfield. Please, do try and keep up.
Balthazar
Guest
I would say that Freo's chances against Hawthorn - like any other team - are considerably better at Domain. However, if they play them at the MCG, so be it. People who are writing off the Dockers there based on a game played in Tasmania (and I am not BTW saying at all you've done that) or 2103 - involving a quite different team and game plan - are dreaming. Any team that has only lost 2 games this far into the season must have a touch of steel about them