As Dockers continue their derby dominance, is there a silver lining for West Coast?

Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we digest the talking points from the weekend’s games – and the highlights, frustrations and silver linings WA footy fans can cling to as the season progresses.

The Dockers continued their recent Western Derby dominance.

They’ve now won four straight wins in cross-town clashes, nine of the past 10, and have closed within four on the overall tally, trailing, 33-29.

Fremantle’s game is in good shape, and with a 5-1 win-loss record, find themselves just percentage behind ladder-leaders Sydney.

While West Coast hit the lead in the second term, they were ultimately outclassed and outplayed as the match went on.

Poor skills remain an issue, while their goalkicking is another deficiency which requires improvement if they’re to challenge more regularly.

Fremantle Dockers

What went right? Ball movement.

Justin Longmuir’s men were able to transition freely and expose the Eagles regularly. Fremantle put speed on the ball, cutting and slicing their way through West Coast. They used the corridor to great effect, and with the Eagles defence scrambling, they had a season-high 19 marks inside 50.

And? Jordan Clark.

The All Australian defender hasn’t missed a beat since crossing from Geelong.

He also hasn’t missed a match and celebrating his 100th consecutive game for Fremantle, he walked off with the Glendinning-Allen Medal for best on ground.

Clark was the architect of so many of the Dockers attacking chains, finishing with a game-high 629 metres and 11 marks, along with 27 touches and a goal. The 25 year-old has made another strong start to the season.

What went wrong? Mason Cox may be used to running out in front of a packed crowd on Anzac Day, but after a quiet debut, he’s unlikely to get a second straight game.

The big Texan managed four touches, two marks and 13 disposals from 59 per cent time on ground.

Cox had enjoyed a formidable opening fortnight in the WAFL, paving the way for his club debut when Sean Darcy was concussed.

His best chance of playing against Carlton on Saturday, may be if Darcy doesn’t progress out of protocols.

Silver lining? Jye Amiss.

He kicked a career-high five goals, and it could have easily been more, kicking four behinds and setting up multiple others.

Has rediscovered his mojo in recent weeks, but this was his most complete performance of the season.

Amiss pulled in 10 marks, nine of which were inside 50, a new club record.

West Coast Eagles

What went right? Reuben Ginbey.

Set one of the toughest tasks in football standing Josh Treacy, Ginbey was outstanding. The Dockers forward was restricted to a season-low three marks, kicking one goal from 10 touches.

The Eagles’ defensive stocks have been hit hard with Harry Edwards out with concussion and Jeremy McGovern forced into premature retirement.

It’s forced Ginbey to play tall, regularly fighting out of his height and weight division.

What went wrong? Skills.

Too often, poor execution is hurting the Eagles and unfortunately for captain Liam Duggan, his radar needs some re-turning.

In the third quarter, he had a golden chance to hit-up a target entering 50, but even under very little pressure, he couldn’t find a target – kicking it straight to an opponent – watching the Dockers transition down the ground.

Silver lining? Winning the contested possession and inside-50 count.

For the first time this year, winning the contested possession count didn’t translate to winning the match which only highlights their inefficiency in attack.

Containing the Dockers on-ball brigade was going to be difficult, especially without injured duo Deven Robertson and Jack Graham.

But Elliot Yeo’s return helped them significantly and while it didn’t translate to the scoreboard, winning the contest is something Andrew McQualter would have been buoyed by.