Round 9 Preview: In Which We Meet Mr Lyon

I could sit here and write a post all about why I despise the Dockers. I would enjoy it, the 3.5 people reading this would enjoy it, the Dockers would cry and all would be well. But I'm not that kind of guy. Well, they aren't worth the carpel tunnel syndrome I would surely develop typing all the insults.

Still, I must give credit to our unwanted cousins. They have changed, evolved even. From a team capable of exciting if inconsistent performances under that weird Harvey guy to a dull, soporific even and inconsistent rabble under Mr Mercenary.

Yet, they are in the top 8. They also still have some great players in Pav. and Sandi. They've had a history of beating us, a consequence of a mindset which views the Derby as a Grand Final while we treat the Grand Final as the Grand Final. That came to an end last season, but we have to pay heed to their ability to get motivated for these games.

Regardless of the emotional side of the Derby, we need to win this game to have an opportunity to maintain top spot.

Live Ladder Round 9

 On the team selection front, we have one change as Matt Priddis replaces Kobe. The Dockers have included Griffin to try and stymie our ruck duo, but I still give us the advantage. 

West Coast Eagles

B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield
HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff
HF: Chris Masten, Jack Darling, Luke Shuey
F: Dean Cox, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr
I/C: Adam Selwood, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard,  Jacob Brennan
In: Matthew Priddis
Out: Koby Stevens


Fremantle

B: Paul Duffield, Zac Dawson, Greg Broughton
HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu
C: Michael Barlow, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill
HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Lachie Neale
F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Clancee Pearce
I/C:  Jay van Berlo, Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin
In:  Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin,
Out: Garrick Ibbotson, Dylan Roberton, Lee Spurr

In fact, we have the advantage everywhere. Our team is better, our coach is better, our jerseys are WAY better. Not to mention our trophy cabinet. 

This is more than a Derby. Yes, winning these games is nice so we can laud it over the  anchorless freaks. But, we are trying to win a premiership. This game is part of that quest. They wouldn't understand...