Dockers primed for finals despite loss while Eagles sweat on Harley tackle

August 24, 2026 — 11:21am

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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 ended their regular season with a 37-point loss, the heaviest of the season, against the rampaging Carlton.

While they suffered their third defeat of the season, Fremantle had nothing to gain and clearly had one eye on finals, resting and managing players’ game-time.

Meanwhile, the Eagles finished their 2026 campaign with an eleventh-straight defeat.

West Coast were outplayed from start to finish by the Hawks and while there’s been improvement this season, the year fell away in disappointing circumstances in the back half.

What went right? The home and away season.

Fremantle compiled a 23-game stretch which stands above all in their 32-years.

The........

© The Age