Last 5 years: Dockers 8- Eagles 4
Biggest Fool in Dockers Team: Too many to Choose From
Number of Dockers Coaches Since 2002: 3
Number of Eagles Coaches Since 2002: 1
Funniest Derby Moment of All Time:
I believe it was Pink Floyd who said: "So you think you can tell, heaven from hell...". They wouldn't have been asking such a question had they been to a Derby. That may be putting too fine a point on things, but we know who we are, what they aren't and how much they suck. Quite a lot I would argue. See timer above.
Anyway, after finally ending the vice like hold the Dockers had on Derbies in 2011, the teams split the two games last season. We put in quite an abysmal performance in the second matchup, where a win would have given us a top 4 berth (it turned out).
But let's not look back, because it hurts both my neck and heart, and look forward to our huge game tomorrow. The first game sets the tone of the season. Win, everyone is happy and the sky is the limit. Lose and it's depressing, we'll be engulfed by a putrid purple haze and Hawks are menacingly circling on the horizon.
So let's not lose. Both teams come in to the game a little short-handed following an injury-ravaged pre-season. The loss of NicNat is offset by Sandiland's absence, who has played about 3 games in the last 2 seasons plus the injury to Zac Clarke. Meanwhile, Lecras and Waters make their triumphant return as Cripps debuts for the club. Pearce plays his first game for the Dockers, but nobody cares. Besides being a big game for the club, it's an important game for a few individuals as well. The Big Lychee (Scott Lycett) hasn't really shown much in his limited appearances for the club. Cripps has plenty to prove and the entire Eagles midfield will need to earn a spot with Kerr and Welly to return.
FREMANTLE:
B: Kepler Bradley, Zac Dawson, Michael Johnson
HB: Paul Duffield, Luke McPharlin, Nick Suban
C: Danyle Pearce, Michael Barlow, Clancee Pearce
HF: Ryan Crowley, Matthew Pavlich, Nat Fyfe
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters
FOLL: Jon Griffin, David Mundy, Stephen Hill
INT: Matt De Boer, Tendai Mzungu, Lee Spurr, Cameron Sutcliffe
EMER: Jesse Crichton, Jack Hannath, Lachie Neale
WEST COAST:
B: Will Schofield, Darren Glass, Ash Smith
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Gaff, Scott Selwood, Andrew Embley
HF: Josh Hill, Jack Darling, Chris Masten
F: Scott Lycett, Josh Kennedy, Mark LeCras
FOLL: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey
INT: Adam Selwood, Ashton Hams, Jamie Cripps, Brad Sheppard
Honestly, anything could happen in this one. In my mind they're both finals bound teams. I would have little doubt that a full strength Eagles team with Kerr, Wellingham and Naitanui would be strong favourites. But with those omissions, the teams appear fairly even. Regardless, I think the Eagles strength up forward and back will ultimately allow us to kick more goals and escape with a narrow victory.
I'm really excited about this one. It's important to start the season well but it's almost as important to beat the Dockers.
Let's Eagle Rock!
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