Saturday night plays host to the 55th Western Derby, as the Dockers will be looking to win three in a row against West Coast for the first time since 2015. Can the Eagles scrape some pride from a horror season? Or will Fremantle continue their strong form heading into finals?
Jack Tobin has you covered with his derby tips, and be sure to check out our AFL Tips page for tips on every game in 2022.
Fremantle vs West Coast Betting Tips
Optus Stadium, Saturday 13th August, 7:40pm (AEST)
Fremantle
Injuries: Jye Aymiss, Nat Fyfe, Sebit Kuek, Matt Taberner
It’s mixed news on the injury front for Fremantle, with Matt Taberner likely to miss the final two weeks of home & away season. Sam Switkowski returns from a back injury that has kept him out since Round 13, while Nat Fyfe is set to return from a hamstring injury next week. Last week’s medi-sub Liam Henry has been omitted.
Fremantle bounced back from a 46 point loss against Melbourne in Round 20, with a 17 point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium last weekend. The Dockers defence stood tall amidst a mountain of Bulldogs inside 50’s, and their efficiency up forward was the difference in the clash.
The Dockers have one of the most prolific midfields in the AFL ranking 2nd in the competition for disposals. Andy Brayshaw (29 disposals per game), Will Brodie (27), Caleb Serong (25) and David Mundy (22) have led the way for an outstanding Fremantle midfield this season.
West Coast
Injuries: Oscar Allen, Campbell Chesser, Tom Cole, Luke Edwards, Callum Jamieson, Tom Joyce, Jeremy McGovern, Jack Petruccelle, Dom Sheed, Connor West, Elliott Yeo, Jai Culley (suspended), Tim Kelly (suspended)
The Eagles have been forced into three changes with Josh Kennedy retiring, Tim Kelly suspended, and Willie Rioli out through personal reasons. Bailey Williams has been omitted, with Josh Rotham, Hugh Dixon and Jackson Nelson coming back into the side.
West Coast couldn’t get over the line in Josh Kennedy’s last game, going down by 16 points against Adelaide. Kennedy’s eight goals weren’t enough, in one of the Eagles’ best performances of the season.
The Eagles rank near the bottom in all key statistical categories this season, ranking 18th for points against (109 per game) 18th in inside 50’s, 17th in points per game (66 per game), 16th for disposals and 15th in clearances. The Eagles are in desperate need for an overhaul of their list and their game plan this off season.
Match Prediction
Fremantle have played West Coast three times this season and won three all three fixtures. Two pre-season matches by 97 points and 13 points, as well as a 55 point win in Round 3. There’s a massive gap between these two sides, and it’s clear to see that Fremantle are relishing the dominance they have over their crosstown rival which they’ve rarely had during their history.
West Coast have nine losses by over 40 points this season, and have an average losing margin of 48 points this season. The Eagles had one of their biggest games of the season last year, and it’s going to be a big challenge to back up without Josh Kennedy and Tim Kelly. The Dockers have won two in a row against West Coast and won’t have any issues extending that streak to three games.
Fremantle -39.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Prop Bets
Andrew Brayshaw has established himself as a genuine superstar of the competition this season, averaging 29 disposals per game this season. Brayshaw is averaging 29 disposals in his last two games against West Coast, and will be looking to pick up his first Glendinning-Allan medal this weekend.
Andrew Brayshaw 30+ Disposals, $1.72 with Ladbrokes
Schultz won the Glendinning-Allan medal when the two sides met back in Round 3, with 23 disposals and 2 goals. Schultz has kicked multiple goals in nine games this season, and has kicked two goals in each of his last two games against West Coast.
Lachie Schultz 2+ Goals, $1.90 with Ladbrokes
Hayden Young has been in red hot form for Fremantle, averaging 25 disposals per game across the last eight weeks. Young’s intercept game has become another avenue for him to win the ball, averaging eight marks per game in the last eight weeks.
Hayden Young 25+ Disposals, $2.10 with Ladbrokes
