A derby worth winning

by LES EVERETT

IT'S derby time again.

dockers derby 2004

Fremantle players celebrate after 2004's first derby. Photo by Les Everett.

One of the combatants will come marching into the contest in hot form after three consecutive wins and the emergence of some players. And they will welcome back their captain.

That's West Coast.

The other will trudge to the match on the back of two losses including a freezing visit to Geelong. Their captain is limping.

That's Fremantle.

The two WA based teams have met 19 times with the Eagles winning on 15 occasions. Never before have the stakes been so high in a derby with a finals berth the possible reward for the victor.

And while few would rate either team a premiership contender the experience gained by another finals campaign will be invaluable.

With five teams vying for three available top eight positions the last two rounds promise to be intriguing.

Another pair of contenders, Sydney and Essendon, also meet this weekend while in round 22 the Bombers have the Western Bulldogs and Sydney will meet the hapless Richmond. Form suggests one will finish the year with 12 wins and the other with 13. That could leave Fremantle, West Coast and the Kangaroos jostling for one place. The Roos have 10 wins so far, they play the Bulldogs this week and travel to Brisbane in round 22 for a game they must win.

A win in the derby won't guarantee a finals spot for Fremantle but it would put West Coast out of the reckoning due to their poor percentage.

After the disappointments and finger pointing of the past fortnight expect the Dockers to be hot on Sunday afternoon - whatever the weather.

Disclaimer