Dockers primed for finals despite loss while Eagles sweat on Harley tackle

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 ended their regular season with a 37-point loss, the heaviest of the season, against the rampaging Carlton.

While they suffered their third defeat of the season, Fremantle had nothing to gain and clearly had one eye on finals, resting and managing players’ game-time.

Meanwhile, the Eagles finished their 2026 campaign with an eleventh-straight defeat.

West Coast were outplayed from start to finish by the Hawks and while there’s been improvement this season, the year fell away in disappointing circumstances in the back half.

Fremantle Dockers

What went right? The home and away season.

Fremantle compiled a 23-game stretch which stands above all in their 32-years.

The minor premiership, for the second time.

A new benchmark of 14 straight wins.

A perfect home record from 11 Optus Stadium games.

On top of this, and arguably the most important part, has been the health of the list.

As the saying goes, “the best ability is your availability”.

Justin Longmuir has more often than not been able to choose close to his best side every week.

It’s built confidence in themselves, teammates and system, the year to date is proof.

Fremantle enter finals as flag favourites – a position they thoroughly deserve.

What went wrong? Brennan Cox’s calf issue.

Injury and suspension were the two factors the Dockers were trying to avoid against the Blues.

Cox’s first-quarter setback is set to sideline him for Fremantle’s first final.

This contributed to the Dockers conceding their biggest score of the season, 118.

Cox has had a number of setbacks this season.

He only returned from multiple games with a knee issue recently while also missed games mid-year due to injury.

Silver lining: Stars waiting to return.

Jye Amiss, Sam Switkowski, Heath Chapman and Murphy Reid will all be ready for a qualifying final against Hawthorn.

You can bet Justin Longmuir won’t be managing players’ minutes like he did against the Blues.

Hayden Young (66 per cent), Luke Jackson (72 per cent), Shai Bolton (73 per cent), Andrew Brayshaw, Alex Pearce (75 per cent) and Caleb Serong (76 per cent) were all closely monitored and well below their average time on ground for the season.

West Coast Eagles

What went right? West Coast held off Hawthorn’s quest for a top-three finish.

The Hawks were gunning for third spot, setting them up for a qualifying final against a now decimated Sydney outfit with several Swans stars seasons over due to ongoing alleged sexual assault allegations.

The Eagles found themselves down by 47 points in the second quarter with Hawthorn on track to leapfrog the third placed Brisbane.

However, aided by wet and slippery conditions, the Eagles did enough to prevent the Hawks rising up the ladder, meaning they’ll begin their premiership quest with the toughest of assignments; Fremantle in Perth.

What went wrong? Harley Reid’s sling tackle.

The star’s fourth quarter incident, where Jai Newcombe’s head slammed into the turf, will most certainly attract attention from the MRO, potentially forcing Reid into a delayed start to 2027.

One of the Eagles improvements this year has been the ability to use handball to help a fast-paced transition.

But yesterday, West Coast were handball happy, and in wet conditions, which only meant more pressure from the Hawks.

The Eagles had 42 handballs to only 22 kicks in the opening term.

Silver lining: Milan Murdock.

The mature-age recruit capped a brilliant debut season with one of his best performances of the year.

The 26 year-old booted the Eagles first two goals and finished with an equal career-high three majors, to go with 24 touches.

Murdock has become a mainstay in the side through his hard work, ability to provide pressure, play a role and hit the scoreboard.

The East Fremantle product played 20 games in his first AFL season, earning a two-year extension.