It’s already confirmed that Eagles’ captain Darren Glass will miss through suspension. This will rob West Coast of its star full-back and leader, who was Matthew Pavlich’s likely opponent. Eric Mackenzie will probably get the job on Freo’s in-from skipper. There are doubts about the availability of club greats Dean Cox and Daniel Kerr too.
What’s different from round 9
After a spirited first half effort against the Eagles in round 9, Fremantle disappeared in the second half as West Coast ran rampant. Where will the improvement come from to help Freo turn that result around on Saturday? For starters, the midfield is in far better shape. Michael Barlow and David Mundy have been building fitness by the week. Nat Fyfe didn’t play in round 9 and made a solid return last week. And after 17 games under Ross Lyon, the team is improving its execution of the coach’s game plan. Perhaps most importantly, Matthew Pavlich has been in stellar goal-kicking form over the past two months and could emerge a match-winner.
The weather
Perth is set for a wet week leading into the Carlton Mid Derby. With rain a distinct possibility on Saturday, which team will handle the conditions better? One of Freo’s best performances of the year came in a rain-affected match against Richmond at the MCG in round 11.
The stakes
Freo’s finals chances are on the line. So are West Coast’s hopes of a top four finish. The stakes for Carlton Mid Derby 36 are as high as they’ve ever been in matches between the WA sides.
High stakes Carlton Mid Derby almost sold out
A Derby final?
Should Fremantle win, a 5th v 8th Derby final becomes a very realistic possibility. It’s likely that if Freo makes the eight, it will be in 8th position. Should West Coast be defeated, it will lose touch with fourth spot. Interestingly, if it were a Derby final, the tickets to the match would be split 50/50 between Fremantle and West Coast members, even though one side would be higher on the ladder.
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