West Coast v Fremantle, Optus Stadium Sunday, March 30, 3.10pm AWST

Last time: Fremantle 17.8 (110) d West Coast 11.9 (75), R20 2024

What it means

West Coast showed plenty of spirit as it challenged reigning premier Brisbane with a scintillating start before being overrun for a second defeat in as many matches. That has left the Eagles in the all-too-familiar position at the bottom of the ladder but now with an opportunity to leap over their heated rivals who are sitting just one place above them while holding out hope of a finals campaign.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was happy for his side to play “vanilla” football in the pre-season but it is becoming a hard label to shake off with only 134 points scored in a pair of defeats to begin the year. The Dockers might aim to release the shackles and start to unleash more of their forward firepower but will have to be wary of their arch-rivals who caused an upset in this fixture last year.

Game shapers

Liam Ryan made an immediate impact on his return for West Coast as he added a spark and booted three goals to give his side a sniff of causing a huge upset against Brisbane. The high-flying Ryan remains the livewire of the Eagles' forward half but is also lifting his influence further afield as his side look to use his classy skills to link the back and front halves.

Andrew Brayshaw made a long-term commitment to Fremantle on the eve of the season with the expectation he would help guide the side back into finals. But the Dockers' vice-captain has had an underwhelming start to the year as midfield minders, including the Swans' James Jordon last week, clamp down to great effect as he has been limited to only 14 kicks across the opening two matches.