Early pressure a plus for Eagles while Freo star emerges unscathed

July 20, 2026 — 9:19am

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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 minor premiership is almost within the Dockers keeping.

Fremantle withstood an undermanned Port Adelaide and their 16th win of the season, coupled with Sydney’s loss to Adelaide, extended the Dockers advantage to three games on top of the table.

A spirited West Coast took it up to the two-time defending premiers Brisbane.

And while they led at half-time, the Eagles were eventually outclassed, but didn’t lose any admirers.

What went right? Their third term blitz.

It was shift, powerful and match defining - as they’ve done on countless occasions this year.

Five goals in 10 minutes were enough to turn a 12-point half-time deficit........

© WA Today