SUMMARY
The 46th and, almost certainly, final Carlton Draught Derby at Domain Stadium, has plenty riding on it. The Eagles went down to Port Adelaide at home on Sunday – their third defeat in four games at their home ground. The return of injured spearhead Josh Kennedy, who has booted 13 goals in the past two derbies, can't come soon enough. Fremantle's young side is riding high after snapping a five-game losing streak in thrilling fashion against North Melbourne, with debutant Ryan Nyhuis booting four goals. Skipper Nat Fyfe is coming off his best game for the season and looks to have his explosive power back, and Freo's midfield – even without Aaron Sandilands – could hold the key to the contest. The Eagles have won four consecutive derbies to lead the overall tally 25-20.
WHERE AND WHEN: Domain Stadium, Sunday 16 July, 2.40pm WST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2017, West Coast 16.7 (103) d Fremantle Dockers 9.8 (62) at Domain Stadium
R20, 2016, West Coast 17.8 (110) d Fremantle Dockers 9.10 (64) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2016, West Coast 12.20 (92) d Fremantle Dockers 8.11 (59) at Domain Stadium
R20, 2015, West Coast 15.14 (104) d Fremantle Dockers 11.14 (80) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2015, Fremantle Dockers 17.9 (111) d West Coast 12.9 (81) at Domain Stadium
THE FIVE POINTS
1. Josh Kennedy won back-to-back Ross Glendinning Medals after snaring six goals in round six, when the Eagles kicked seven-goals-to-one by quarter-time. Elliot Yeo was superb for West Coast with 32 disposals and 14 marks.
2. Fremantle has been a low-scoring side this year, ranked 17 for points with 77 per game, and have managed 100 or more in a game twice. The Eagles are averaging 89 points (AFL No.10), but haven't topped the ton since the last derby.
3. The Eagles hold the Carlton Draught Derby advantage 25-20 after four-straight victories. Fremantle won the previous six clashes.
4. Nearly 1.8 million fans have watched the 45 derbies – an average of 39,908 per game. The biggest crowd was 43,527 in round 21, 2006 when the Eagles were on top of the ladder and Freo was fourth.
5. Midfield strength is Fremantle's weapon and the Fremantle Dockers' top six players in the Official AFL Player Ratings – Lachie Neale (13), David Mundy (61), Michael Walters (76), Stephen Hill (80), Nat Fyfe (98) and Bradley Hill (202) – all run through the engine room.
