We take a look back at some of the great derbies ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster.
Derby 10: Round 16, 1999
Fremantle’s first Carlton Draught Derby win was one for the ages. In front of 36,763 fans, Fremantle booted 119 points to pip cross-town rivals West Coast by 47 points. Among the highlights was Tony Modra’s stunning running goal from the pocket followed by a memorable celebration.
Derby 24: Round 18 2011
Who could forget this Derby? The closest margin of any derby and one of the most controversial finishes. Fremantle were down by seven-points at the final break before kicking three goals to West Coast’s two in the fourth quarter. Although, it was the last 30 seconds that will go down in history. Eagle Matt Rosa knocked the ball out of bounds and the umpire deemed it deliberate as the siren sounded. Hayden Ballantyne took the tough shot from 50m out on the boundary and the ball appeared to have crossed the goal line, prompting a typical Ballas’ celebration. However, it hit the post and the Eagles were home.
Derby 12: Round 21, 2000
A young Matthew Pavlich featured in the most physical derby to date. Both teams were not in finals contention but that took no heat out of the game. Fremantle snuck home by one point after West Coast stretched out to a 42-point lead early in the game. However, it was a melee at the half-time break that puts the game in the history books. Four players were suspended while 12 players were cited for brawling and received fines.
Match Preview: Fremantle v West Coast
Derby 28 Round 18, 2008
Shaun McManus’ name is synonymous with the derby. Fittingly, his final AFL match was against West Coast. Freo jumped out of the blocks with a nine goal first term before a winning by a final margin of 33 points. McManus had 21 touches. Luke McPharlin booted five goals and Matthew Pavlich kicked four. McManus was carried off the ground on the shoulders of Pavlich and Ryan Crowley through a guard of honour.
Derby 1: Round 7 1995
The inaugural derby was an historic day in WA football history. More than 40,000 fans watched the two local teams face off for the first time. West Coast dominated the game, winning by 85 points. Ben Allan was among the best for Freo with 25 touches.
