Somehow, the Dockers still rule the west
Against all odds, Fremantle keep their undefeated western derby streak alive in the AFLW, plus the Royals get it done again to make the decider.
G’day friends! Do you know those days that remind you of all the reasons you love footy? I was lucky enough to have one of those on Saturday.
After five losing grand finals in a row, the mighty SNESA Football Club finally nabbed a flag. It was a C5 Reserves flag, but the division wasn’t important. What’s important was the faces who showed up at the ground to watch a moment we’d all worked so hard to see - with little reward - over decades.
Most of us don’t play anymore, but that didn’t stop us enjoying it. I was genuinely surprised by how much it moved me.
Footy can be cruel. But sometimes it’s bloody lovely.
Today’s newsletter includes: The Dockers make it 8-0 in W derbies; Royals book their date in the WAFL decider; a big selection decision; the bottom-aged guns powering the Claremont colts and a return to Origin footy.
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AFLW
It was brutal in so many ways. Brutal conditions. Brutal contests. And a brutal result for a West Coast side that had its best chance yet to claim a maiden Western Derby win. Fremantle won their eighth AFLW Derby in a row to maintain their perfect record against the Eagles. The Dockers have had a horror start to the year, but the conditions played into their hands. It was a wet, physical game and when that’s the case the Dockers have a cavalry of mids ready to get to work. Irishwoman Orlagh Lally claimed the medal with 24 disposals, eight intercepts and a goal. Kiara Bowers wasn’t far behind with 21 touches, 14 tackles and goal. Their record now goes to 2-3. No idea yet whether they are good or not.
The matchwinner was no suprise. It was Mim Strom taking the intercept mark at half-forward, spotting the opportunity and playing on quickly to find Hayley Miller running into goal to kick the sealer. She’s the best ruck in the league and in the best handful of players full stop.
From an Eagles perspective, again no surprise, Ella Roberts did everything she could to get her side into the game. Her third quarter was phenomenal: seven disposals, five clearances, a goal and an assist.
AFLW Derby Medal votes
9 - Orlagh Lally (FRE)
5 - Ella Roberts (WCE); Aisling McCarthy (FRE)
1 - Gabby Newton (FRE)
WAFL
South Fremantle v East Perth in the Grand Final this Sunday. Hold on to your butts. The Royals are back after last year’s disappointing loss to Peel Thunder. They won’t be favourites - the Bulldogs have won both of their match-ups this year - but there’s so much more than form at play on the big day. The all-conquering South Fremantle against the scrappy East Perth who just keep getting it done. I’m pumped, see you there.
You could mount an argument that Claremont should have won in yesterday’s preliminary final but for inaccuracy. But the bold facts are this: the two sides have played each other three times in the past four weeks and the Royals have won the two that counted.
In both games it was Hamish Brayshaw doing most of the damage. The Sandover medallist had 29 disposals and 12 clearances. He was also reported for striking, but you’d expect him to be playing on Sunday. Stan Wright, Corey Watts and Harrison Macreadie were immense in defence.
Speaking of the grand final, worth checking out the Sullivan Logistics WAFL Fan Hub when you get a sec. Win instant prizes, put your name down to run on the ground, and have your say on grand final day. Worth a look.
The Royals are also in the ressies decider against Claremont. They’ve got there from fifth on the ladder and with a two-point win over Swan Districts yesterday. Tyler Lindberg kicked an unbelievable goal from 55m out on the boundary to help get them there too. Huge.
Sebit Kuek has been a bit hot or cold this season and was dropped to the reserves this week for the first time. He kicked two goals from seven marks, but is it enough to get back into the league side?
Draft prospect Blake Kelly played ressies for Swans yesterday and acquitted himself well in his first senior hit-out with 18 touches and a goal.
By the way, it’s the Sandover Medal tonight. My tip is probably Tom North but it’s a wide open field this year. My tip is based on nothing but vibes, btw. Krstel Petrevski for the Dhara Kerr.
WAFL COLTS
Claremont beat East Fremantle 44-29 to make their sixth grand final in seven years. They will face South Fremantle, who have one of the most stacked colts midfields we’ve seen in years.
It was two strong Jack Clarke Medal chances going head to head. Max Hansen-Knahroi had 27 and seven inside 50s for the Tigers. Tom Grylls had 18 disposals and 14 tackles for the Sharks.
Heath Mellody will be one to watch for next year’s AFL draft. The Tigers youngster was one of their best along with bottom-aged ruck Benji van Rooyen. Write the names down now.
IN OTHER NEWS…
State of Origin is back. The AFL will this week announce a WA v Victoria showcase at Optus Stadium on February 14 next year. Get excited.
That’s the lot for today. Thanks again for reading.
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