The defining moment of Dockers’ derby dominance

Andrew Brayshaw’s individual effort on the verge of half-time all but ensured the outcome of western derby 60.

With the Dockers holding a 20-point buffer, the Eagles surged in a bid to close the gap. Eagles prime mover Tim Kelly had ball in hand on the broadcast side wing with 40 seconds remaining.

Playing on, Kelly had the ball stripped by Bailey Banfield and, upon regathering possession, was stopped in his tracks by a crunching Brayshaw tackle.

Not done with just forcing the turnover, Brayshaw bounced back to his feet, receiving the ball and finding Josh Treacy with a perfectly weighted kick, who slotted his third major of the term, extending the buffer to 26 points.

It was a mood-lifter for Fremantle and a mood-killer for West Coast. The Eagles’ players body language showed exactly that.

It was also an act that defined the derby, which Brayshaw finished with 29 touches, six clearances and seven tackles in a performance which polled him six Glendinning-Allan Medal votes – one fewer than winner and teammate Caleb Serong.

The Dockers’ inability to capitalise on opportunities in their forward line hurt them in their last-start defeat at the Swans: 9.11 (65) from 59 inside-50s proved costly.

Enter debutant Isaiah Dudley, a bold selection call aimed to improve Freo’s efficiency in attack.

Dudley, who was only picked up in the pre-season, has footy royalty running through his veins.

He is the nephew of Blues and Crows great Eddie Betts, while his cousin Kysaiah Pickett is already a Demons premiership player.

Isaiah Dudley celebrates with teammates after the Dockers’ resounding derby win.Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The 21-year-old South Australian made the most of his chance, adding spark and skill into Fremantle’s attack, and, more importantly, kicking two opening-term goals.

His only other first-term touch was part of a chain which resulted in a Matt Johnson goal, helping the Dockers as they booted 5.4 (34) from their 21 inside-50s.

Dudley is quick, clean, gets in dangerous spots and has natural footy smarts.

He’s 168 centimetres, the smallest player on Fremantle’s list. But he plays much taller, will prove a nightmare for small defenders, and is undoubtedly a player of the future.

His energy was infectious, and it paid dividends, with Fremantle hitting the scoreboard 31 times from 65 forward entries.

Sure, tougher tests will come in future weeks for the Dockers, but it was a step in the right direction.

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