AFL
Big, strong and 'ready to take over': Brayshaw primed for 2022

Fremantle has made it a pre-season double against arch-rival West Coast, but it was far from the 16-goal romp that left the Eagles shell-shocked last week. 

A much improved West Coast pushed Fremantle all the way at an empty Optus Stadium in their AAMI Community Series clash, before Freo steadied to win 11.13 (79) to 10.6 (66). 

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Tim Kelly was outstanding playing nearly a lone hand in the Eagles' midfield, racking up 32 disposals, six clearances and a goal in a side missing half-a-dozen first-choice players. 

However, the Freo Dockers had too many contributors, led by Andrew Brayshaw (30 disposals, one goal), ex-Geelong speedster Jordan Clark (24) and defender Luke Ryan (24 disposals, 13 marks). 

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Andrew Brayshaw of the Dockers looks to pass the ball during the 2022 AFL Community Series match between the Fremantle Dockers and the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on March 6, 2022 In Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Fremantle finished with a couple of injury concerns: big man Rory Lobb left the game in the second quarter with sore ribs after a crash landing in a marking contest, while Nathan Wilson was nursing a sore right shoulder. 

Medical room
Wilson's injury appeared the most serious after he went head-on into Alex Witherden's leg in an awkward collision before clutching at his right shoulder and heading to the rooms. Lobb seems the more likely of the pair to recover in time for round one after watching the second half from the bench. Only Fyfe (shoulder) and Darcy Tucker (hamstring) are now missing from the Dockers' best line-up. West Coast, meanwhile, entered Sunday's clash without 10 members of its best team. Of those, captain Luke Shuey (hamstring) and defender Liam Duggan (knee) are racing the clock to be fit for round one. 

Fantasy watch
Look to Tim Kelly (MID, $707,000) as an under-priced midfielder following his score of 110. The 27-year-old will play an important role in the Eagles' midfield. Xavier Ellis was hot on Kelly in a recent chat with The Traders and it's easy to see that there's upside after a disappointing 2021. Ellis was also keen on Sean Darcy (RUC, $786,000) but Darcy's 47 points may have him rethinking his ruck choice. The Freo Docker worth locking in is Will Brodie (MID/FWD, $387,000). Although he spent significant chunks of time on the bench, his role and score of 96 was exactly what potential Fantasy coaches wanted to see. Even with Nat Fyfe to come back into the midfield mix, it looks like Fremantle will be using the former Sun in the middle and the points should flow. West Coast's Brady Hough (MID, $230,000) should be on your rookie radar as a potential round one debutant. His late touches to get him to 65 points was impressive. 

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 06:33

    Match Highlights | Fremantle v West Coast

    Fremantle and Eagles clash in the AAMI Community Series

    AFL
  • 03:16

    'A few screws to be tightened' | Heath Chapman

    After a great outing against the Eagles, we caught up with Chappy to see how himself and the team are feeling, headed into round one.

    AFL
  • 09:15

    Justin Longmuir Post-Match | AAMI Series v West Coast

    Senior Coach Justin Longmuir talks through his side's 13-point win over West Coast in Sunday evening's AAMI Community Series clash.

    AFL
  • 00:20

    Sonny reaches into his bag of tricks

    Michael Walters dribbles the ball from the pocket through for a very Sunny goal

    AFL
  • 00:16

    Darcy unloads the banana

    Darcy does the work of a small forward to kick an outstanding goal from the pocket

    AFL
  • 00:16

    Colyer makes them pay full price

    A brilliant intercept from Banfield, leads to a quick turnover, resulting in Travis Colyer scoring

    AFL
  • 00:20

    Acres from acres out!

    Blake Acres kicks a ripper from outside 50

    AFL
  • 00:15

    Switta sneaks it through for Freo's first

    Sam Switkowski gets around Eagle's defence and scores

    AFL

FREMANTLE        2.4   5.7   7.9   11.13 (79)
WEST COAST        1.3   4.6   8.6   10.6 (66) 

GOALS
Fremantle: Walters 2, Taberner 2, Switkowski, Brayshaw, Frederick, Acres, Banfield, Colyer, Darcy
West Coast: Rioli 2, Ryan 2, Nelson, Gaff, Kelly, Petruccelle, Jones, Naish

BEST
Fremantle: Brayshaw, Clark, Chapman, Ryan, Brodie, Serong
West Coast: Kelly, Joyce, Ryan, Naitanui, West, Witherden

INJURIES
Fremantle: Lobb (back/ribs), Wilson (shoulder)
West Coast: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: No crowd permitted at Optus Stadium