Fremantle bullied the defending premiers. Their hot streak shows no sign of slowing

Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we digest the talking points from the weekend’s games – and the highlights, frustrations and silver linings WA footy fans can cling to as the season progresses.

The Dockers bullied two-time defending premiers Brisbane to solidify themselves as premiership favourites.

They couldn’t have been more impressive on their way to an 11th straight win, making the Lions look second rate.

Meanwhile, the Eagles capitalised on what’s been a strong month of football, securing their second win in that period with a comprehensive five-goal victory over the Bombers.

West Coast were far superior in the wet and wild conditions, blowing away Essendon with minimal fuss.

Fremantle Dockers

What went right? The Dockers showed their attack can get you many ways, possessing a forward line with multiple threats and are currently the ball tall three-pronged trio in the game.

Jye Amiss and Pat Voss kicked four goals while Josh Treacy bagged three. They outclassed Harris Andrews and Darcy Gardiner, booting 11.8 as a trio.

They complement each other so well, rarely get in each other’s way and are only really just beginning their partnership considering Treacy is 23, with Amiss and Voss both 22.

It’s a scary prospect for opposition defences, especially when you add in the likes of Sam Switkowski, Michael Frederick, Isaiah Dudley, Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid getting to work at ground level.

What went wrong? Injuries to Brennan Cox and Matt Johnson.

Cox has yet again been crucial in helping form the stingiest defence in the league.

A right knee complaint forced him from the field in the opening half, and he didn’t return, with the club taking a no-risk approach with him.

The severity of Johnson’s hamstring setback will become clearer in the coming days.

He’s becoming more significant by the week and performed a very effective shutdown role on dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.

Silver lining? Fremantle’s record-winning streak shows no signs of slowing with significant star power to return.

Hayden Young (concussion) is expected to face the Kangaroos for their home-away-from-home clash in Bunbury.

Vice-captain Caleb Serong (calf) is a chance to join him, while Sean Darcy (concussion and calf) got through his return at WAFL and could also press his case.

Justin Longmuir has a luxury of riches at his disposal, proving the envy of nearly every other rival coach.

West Coast Eagles

What went right? Handling expectations.

The Eagles were raging favourites to claim victory over an Essendon outfit who had just sacked Brad Scott and were a shambles after winning just one of their past 24 games.

But the last time West Coast were expected to win, they came up short against Richmond. That, too, was at home, against the then bottom-of-the-table side with a long list of injuries. But credit to West Coast, since that round 8 defeat, they’ve been a far more consistent side.

They’ve increased their pressure, have defended better and are far more competitive for far longer.

They never looked in doubt of losing to the Bombers, leading at every change and setting up their largest win under coach Andrew McQualter on the back of eight straight goals either side of half-time.

What went wrong? The clearance count.

Essendon smashed the Eagles 44 to 23, getting first hands on the ball.

The Bombers weren’t able to capitalise on the lop-sided count, but Andrew McQualter would be well aware and will most certainly address it in the review, knowing full well this can’t be replicated against better opposition.

Silver lining? Reuben Ginbey.

The 21 year-old has been again forced to play much taller than he and the club would ideally like out of necessity.

But Ginbey is not one to back down from a challenge, gives his absolute all every time he runs out and is fast earning respect competition-wide.

He nullified any impact of Nate Caddy yesterday, in a best-on-ground performance.

A member of the Eagles leadership group, Ginbey is on his way to being a member of the All Australian squad, potentially even earning his first blazer.