Fremantle are on a winning streak not seen since 2015. How far can they go?

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.

Life has never been better for the Dockers under Justin Longmuir.

They’ve hit seven straight wins under the coach – it’s the club’s best winning streak since 2015, the same year they won the minor premiership.

It’s a very different story at the Eagles.

Many expected West Coast to continue Richmond’s winless run in 2026, only to watch the undermanned Tigers pull off a famous win, their first since July last year, also against the Eagles at Optus Stadium.

Fremantle Dockers

What went right? The Dockers winning streak has hit seven games – the most under coach Justin Longmuir – and they’re showing they have more gears to go through.

Yet again, Fremantle showed their ability to score quickly, highlighted by a run of seven consecutive goals either side of three-quarter time.

They’ve assembled a squad which is winning the moments needed to week-in, week-out – and most importantly are sharing the load.

The Dockers have no shortage of star power, but their ability to have many contributors makes them harder to topple.

A blockbuster awaits on Thursday night, hosting the in-form, third-placed Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.

What went wrong? The Dockers need to improve how they go about managing games and not letting sides back into the contest.

It’s been a bit of a recurring theme where Fremantle have worked hard to establish a match-winning lead before taking the foot off and inviting sides back into the contest.

Against the Dogs, a 28-point final quarter margin was eroded, while a similar occurrence has happened in recent matches against Carlton and Adelaide.

Also? Goal celebrations.

For the second time in as many years, a stray finger has left Josh Treacy with a poked eye.

Last year it was Pat Voss, on Friday night an excited Andy Brayshaw, fresh off a goal, left the star forward heading for the bench with the blood rule.

Silver lining? Hayden Young.

When fit and firing, the 25-year-old lays claim to being the Dockers’ most influential player.

After a frustrating start to the year with injury, Young again reminded the competition just how crucial he is to Fremantle’s fortunes.

His three second-half goals, to go with 20 touches and seven tackles, helped break open the game.

As the saying goes: “Your greatest ability is your availability.”

Keeping Young on the park for the remainder of the season is pivotal to the Dockers.

West Coast Eagles

What went right? Harley Reid’s ability to hit the scoreboard from the centre is breathtaking.

The 21 year-old had the crowd up and about kicking a cracker in the first minute of the game, only to better himself at the restart of the second quarter.

His two bounces, faked handpass and finish from just inside 50, is as good a goal you’ll see.

Reid is not even 50 games into his career, but possesses a highlight reel most would be jealous of.

What went wrong? The golden chance of securing a third win.

The Eagles faced a winless Richmond side who entered the match with 17 unavailable players due to injury, only to have that number become 18 in the opening minutes when Dion Prestia pinged a calf.

West Coast topped up their team with experience valued over youth.

But in a week spent celebrating the club’s 40 years, the 20-year premiership reunion and Hall Of Fame night, the modern-day Eagles couldn’t get the job done.

Richmond’s tall forwards had their way with West Coast’s defence.

Noah Balta, Jonty Faull and Tom Lynch were immense taking 10 contested marks between them while also booting a combined seven goals.

Silver lining? West Coast won the inside-50 count, 64-48, but their inefficiency cost them dearly.

While the inability to finish off remains a work in progress, they’re creating more scoring opportunities.

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