Fremantle unleashed a ferocious tackling display to beat crosstown rival West Coast by 45 points in the first AFLW RAC Derby at Optus Stadium on Saturday.
In a historic day for WA football, the undefeated Freo Dockers dominated the Eagles 9.6 (60) to 2.3 (15) in front of 35,185 fans, quickly establishing themselves as one of the form teams of the competition.
It was a powerful display from Trent Cooper's players, whose chemistry after three full seasons was evident against the West Coast newcomers, who went inside 50 just 19 times and fell to 0-2.
Tough Fremantle midfielder Kiara Bowers was the star, laying a massive 18 tackles and finishing with 13 disposals and four clearances to be a unanimous choice as the first AFLW RAC Derby Best On Ground medallist.
Turbo wins the BOG! ??#RACDerby #AFLW #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/t59R7YJ8LP
— Fremantle Dockers AFLW (@freodockersAFLW) February 15, 2020
The onballer laid an incredible 11 tackles in the first quarter to set the tone and held former teammate and star Eagle Dana Hooker to just one possession before quarter-time.
In a fiery contest between the rival teams, Fremantle was harder defensively, more organised with the ball, and more skilful with the final score the highest of the AFLW season so far.
Roxy Roux, Jasmin Stewart and Katie-Jayne Grieve all fired up forward kicking two goals each.
First-year star Roux was exciting in her second game, flying for marks and handling the ball cleanly, while Gemma Houghton continued a fine start to the season.
Rouxdiculous!#RACDerby #foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/OOWnCWh2Tc
— Fremantle Dockers AFLW (@freodockersAFLW) February 15, 2020
West Coast captain Emma Swanson (14 and three clearances) led her team well before leaving the ground in the fourth quarter with a head knock.
Dana Hooker worked her way into the game after quarter-time to finish with 13 touches, including a game-high 11 contested, and four inside 50s.
WEST COAST 0.0. 1.1. 1.2. 2.3 (15)
FREMANTLE 2.2. 5.3. 7.6. 9.6 (60)
GOALS
West Coast: Dowrick, Tester
Fremantle: Stewart 2, Grieve 2, Roux 2, O'Sullivan, Houghton, Duffy
BEST
West Coast: Swanson, Laurie, Smith, N Kelly, Cameron
Fremantle: Bowers, Roux, Stewart, Grieve, O'Sullivan, Houghton, Gooch
INJURIES
West Coast: Swanson (head)
Fremantle: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 35,185 at Optus Stadium
