Form of West Coast’s leaders under microscope; Freo’s dazzling inside 50 statistic

Number 13 is widely considered unlucky.

But yesterday it would prove highly favourable as Fremantle’s 13-minute burst in the second quarter proved the difference as they outlasted the Bulldogs to clinch a crucial four points.

The Dockers six unanswered goal streak delivered some of their best football in almost a decade.

Able to hold firm as the Bulldogs dominated the early possession and inside 50 battle, the hosts then cashed in big time.

Five points down, the brutal onslaught began via a Michael Frederick snap from a tight angle.

A minute later, goalsneak Isaiah Dudley crumbed a marking contest and kicked truly.

By the time Josh Treacy and Bailey Banfield added majors, the margin was 19 - by the time the half-time siren sounded, the buffer was 32 points thanks to last-minute goals from Andy Brayshaw and Jeremy Sharp.

All up, Fremantle slammed on seven goals for the term - their efficiency off the charts.

Despite losing the inside 50 count 24-33, the Dockers booted 11.5 (71) - scoring from 67 per cent of inside 50’s - their best return since 2016.

While remarkable it’s not sustainable and nor is losing the inside 50 count by 19.

But what it did highlight was the merit and importance yesterday’s victory held especially when faced with personnel issues in the final term.

West Coasts’ leaders under the microscope

It’s been a week to forget for the Eagles co-captains.

Days of unwanted headlines and publicity followed Oscar Allen’s poorly timed coffee catch-up with Sam Mitchell.

After the embarrassing off-field episode, the need for on-field leadership was a must, undermanned facing a brutal assignment against GWS.

Yet, in the opening three minutes of yesterday’s thrashing, fellow skipper Liam Duggan was badly exposed, setting the tone for a forgetful afternoon.

Young Giant Darcy Jones received the ball on the wing, kicking into attack, finding his captain Toby Greene.

At this stage, 183-gamer Duggan was alongside 18-gamer Jones.

Then the speedy West Aussie continued to run, giving himself the chance to be involved in the play again.

A clever tap from Jake Stringer landed straight in Jones’ lap, resulting in the opening goal of the game while Duggan watched on 20 metres behind.

The 21-year-old, who grew up barracking for West Coast, turned in his best performance of his career, ending with two goals, 26 touches, seven tackles, six marks and 13 score involvements.

The play highlighted how damaging Jones’ run will be to GWS, while shining a spotlight on how Duggan wasn’t switched on early in the game.

Unlike his off-sider Allen, Duggan won’t call a snap press conference to apologise for his actions, but I get the feeling he’ll be feeling ashamed of his efforts when it’s game review time.

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