Here are the talking points from Fremantle's loss to West Coast in the Carlton Draught Derby on Saturday night at Domain Stadium.
Hot start
Derby games are well known for their intensity in the early stages, and the Eagles thrived kicking seven goals to one in the opening term.
The hot start made the difference on the night, as Fremantle reduced the half-time margin from 45 to 41 points at full time.
Hitting targets going forward
One difference in the early stages came from both side’s ability to hit their targets inside 50.
The Eagles took 11 marks inside 50 to Freo’s six - with Josh Kennedy the main benefactor, kicking six goals and winning his second straight Ross Glendinning Medal.
When Fremantle went forward in the opening half, the Eagles were often at the other end, taking eight intercept marks up to half time.
McCarthy’s goal instinct
Cam McCarthy carried the forward line early, kicking Fremantle’s opening three goals. As Freo struggled to hit a target from a forward entry, McCarthy was able to find the goal through pure instinct, gathering to goal twice in the second quarter.
Young Dockers get to work
Fremantle’s top four possession winners were aged 23-years or younger, led by Ed Langdon, who racked up 32 touches and seven marks.
Fellow 21-year-old Connor Blakely and 23-year-old Lachie Neale racked up 29, while Bradley Hill had 20 disposals.
18-year-old Harley Balic also did well on his return from injury with 19 touches, eight marks and four tackles.
Free kicks take their toll
Under pressure from a hot West Coast start, Fremantle made some costly errors that led to even more damage on the scoreboard. Fremantle trailed 7-2 in the free kick tally as the Eagles kicked seven goals to one in the opening term.
