Dual defeats as Freo streak ends while Eagles rue first quarter blowout

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.

For only the second time this year – and the first weekend since March – both the Dockers and Eagles were defeated on the same weekend.

Fremantle’s club record 14 wins ended at the hands of GWS, defeated by 21 points.

An injury ravaged Giants, missing 10 of their best 23, were inspired by skipper Toby Greene and Jake Stringer as they inflicted just the Dockers’ second loss this year.

The biggest talking point wasn’t the result, rather another injury to star Hayden Young.

West Coast produced three good quarters against the Crows, but were made to pay after a first quarter Adelaide blitz.

The Eagles were humbled by 25 points, as a debutant turned heads.

Fremantle Dockers

What went wrong? Hayden Young’s injury woes.

Sure, the Dockers winning streak ended, but the issue of Hayden Young’s battles with his body far outweighs the significance of the four points.

The 25 year-old is one of the Dockers most important and damaging players.

But the past two seasons have been cruelled by injuries playing only 17 of a possible 40 games, managing no more than four consecutive games over the same period.

While his groin setback isn’t expected to be major, what it does mean is there’s no room for further setback.

Everything must be on the table for Young, including the thought of a WAFL return to gradually build game-time and if a move to half-back to better protect his body is a worthwhile experiment.

Neither Fremantle or Young can afford another hiccup as he desperately chases confidence in his body in the hope of recapturing his best.

What went right? Karl Worner.

The unassuming defender produced his most prolific performance from his 47 matches.

The 24 year-old had career best disposals (29), marks (10) and metres gained (691).

Worner’s courage and willingness to put his body on the line has ensured the respect of his teammates, becoming a mainstay in the Dockers’ defence over the past two years.

He’s continuing to develop, becoming more reliable on a weekly basis.

Silver lining? A short five-day turnaround before a top of the table clash against Sydney at home.

Thursday night presents a wonderful chance to come up against another premiership contender, while also the potential to re-establish a two-game buffer in first.

Destiny is still well and truly in Fremantle’s hands and there’s certainly no reason to be worried.

West Coast Eagles

What went right? The final three quarters.

Take away the opening 30 minutes and West Coast won the game by four points.

If only it was that simple.

At the first change, another drubbing was on the cards.

But they rolled up their sleeves, ramped up the pressure and tackling, improved their field territory and worked their way back into the game.

West Coast kicked four straight goals during the third and fourth quarters, were full of running and were dominating.

They had the first 10 inside 50s of the final term to give themselves an outside chance of victory, but they lacked polish at key moments.

Coach Andrew McQualter will take heart from the response, but their slow start will feature heavily on review.

What went wrong? The first quarter.

Adelaide were seeking retribution after a dismal Showdown display the week prior.

And while the Eagles would have prepared for this, they were blown away early.

The Crows kicked the first three goals inside five minutes and six of the opening term’s seven goals to establish a 29-point lead at the first change.

Darcy Fogarty had three goals from his first four kicks, and while West Coast fought hard, Adelaide’s first quarter blitz was the difference.

Silver lining? Oliver Francou’s debut.

The son of Port great Josh, most definitely caught the eye.

The 20 year-old didn’t look out of place, using his bigger frame as he made his presence felt.

Drafted in the mid-season draft, Francou impressed in his month-long stint in the WAFL.

Francou took his AFL opportunity with both hands, applying a game high nine tackles, seven in the first half to finish with 18 disposals.