Andrew Strijk

Brisbane traveled west having lost their last thirteen out of fourteen games, including their last eight in a row. The Eagle had not fared much better with one win from ten. Not much is anticipated in terms of a football spectacle when the bottom two teams play and whilst this game had its moments, it largely lived up to expectations.

A dazzling four quarter display of precision teamwork by the Fremantle Dockers thrilled their fans and dished out a formidable football lesson to the down and out West Coast Eagles. So complete was Fremantle’s dominance that it is difficult to see how the Eagles can bounce back and challenge sufficiently in their last four games to climb off the bottom of the Ladder.

An out of form Carlton side returned to Subiaco Oval in Round 17, having lost 11 of their last 13 encounters in the West. Although the Blues are in the top eight and the West Coast Eagles are last on the Ladder, the bookmakers had the odds almost even. Such is the nature of the competition this year, where even the last placed teams can be competitive and cause an upset.