Two great mates and Next Gen Academy members to debut for undermanned Fremantle,while the Eagles recall gun trio for the clash with reigning premiers Richmond.
The tactical battle in the midfield between the Western Bulldogs and Fremantle will be crucial as the Bulldogs attempt to record their first win at Optus Stadium.
The iconic showpiece AFL event,being played in Perth for the first time,has generated significant excitement in WA and will draw big crowds to the 60,000-seat stadium.
The spine-tingling,jaw-dropping moments of the last Ashes series in England could be rehashed in Perth after Optus Stadium was given hosting rights for the fifth and final test of the return bout down under this summer.
It wa three wins on the trot to West Coast,three straight losses for Fremantle as both sides got a clearer picture of how their fortunes may fare in 2021.
The question of Willie or won’t he was made clearer by the AFL as West Coast and Fremantle were given a double dose of good news after the latest fixture announcement by the league.
It shaped as a derby with a difference and proved to be after a crowd ban at Optus Stadium,but on the field a dominant West Coast cruised to a 59-point win and 11 straight over Fremantle.
Fans who bought tickets will receive refunds from Ticketmaster,but the West Coast Eagles won’t be so lucky as its home game was already down $500,000 due to restrictions.
On form and paper,not much separates the fierce cross-town rivals in Sunday’s Western Derby,but bragging rights and four points could well come down to these factors.
Eagles premiership captain Shannon Hurn has overcome a calf injury and will suit up to break Dean Cox’s games record in Sunday’s western derby at Optus Stadium.
The last time the Dockers got the four points against their cross-town rivals,Tony Abbott was PM,Barack Obama US president and coronavirus was just a nasty hangover from too many Mexican beers.