Dockers still pushing for 4th place

Fremantle opened up a huge 58-point lead over West Coast in a scintillating first-half display in the western derby at Subiaco Oval. The Dockers, aiming for a seventh consecutive win over their fierce rivals, lead 13.8 (86) to 4.4 (28) at half-time. I say “fierce” rivals, but there was nothing fierce about the Eagles.

But the news is not all good for Fremantle, with key defender Chris Tarrant leaving the ground minutes before the quarter-time break with a knee injury.

The Dockers kicked seven goals to none in the opening quarter to lead by 45 points at the first break and outscored their opponents again in the second term to extend the lead.

Paul Hasleby kicked the opening goal of the game after a Will Schofield kick-in landed in the veteran’s lap to start the trend of Dockers goals.

Hasleby added another in the second quarter and is one of three multiple goal kickers for Fremantle.

Livewire forward Mark LeCras has played a lone hand up forward for the Eagles, kicking three goals in the second quarter with original opponent Tarrant sidelined.

West Coast pulled a late surprise before the bounce, withdrawing rebounding defender Shannon Hurn from their line-up. But with the Dockers already home and dry, there wasn’t any real threat to Pavlich and Co.

Premiership defender Brett Jones came into the selected side to replace the valuable Hurn, with the loss a crucial blow to the Eagles’ hopes of snapping a six-game losing streak against cross-town rivals Fremantle.

The Dockers entered the match unchanged from their selected side. Next week will be a crucial game (as they all will be at this stage) and will, more than likely, be missing Chris Tarrant. The Dockers will have to face the Kangeroos while the Bulldogs are away to the Crows. That 4th spot is still anyones and very much up for grabs

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