The Fremantle Dockers have overcome an early four-goal deficit to defeat their arch-rivals West Coast by 28 points, 81-53, in the final unofficial scratch match of the week.

The 'Purple Haze' were led by Murphy Reid's glamorous play across the field, with the 19-year-old seemingly far from facing a 'sophomore slump'. The 2025 Rising Star winner's dash through the middle of the ground set up numerous inside 50s, and he managed to boot one major of his own.

Speaking post-game, senior coach Justin Longmuir highlighted his intentions to increase Reid's midfield opportunities this year, thanks to Fremantle's depth in attack, as his strong 2026 pre-season continues.

"We want to get Murphy a few more minutes in the midfield," Longmuir said.

"I think Johnson, O'Meara, Wagner and Erasmus give us flexibility on the wings as well as inside, so I feel like we're starting to get some flexibility through the middle of the ground and in our high-forward roles."

Jye Amiss was a regular recipient of Reid's entries, nailing two first-half goals, while key forward Patrick Voss came alive in the second half, ultimately kicking three goals by the  full-time siren.

Overall, the Dockers' trio of tall forward (Amiss, Josh Treacy and Voss) combined for eight of Fremantle's 12 goals - an exciting sign of things to come, according to Longmuir.

"I thought the three functioned well. Obviously, there were opportunities missed with connection at times, but I thought the way they worked together and led at the ball was really strong," Longmuir said.

"We marked the ball inside 50 a lot and that's off the back of those guys. We were able to share the ball around in the front half. I thought [Treacy's] game was on and really strong in particular."

Top Dockers recruit Mason Cox regularly presented as a marking option in kicking chains, and also looked solid in his time spent in the ruck, with Luke Jackson featuring more commonly in the forward line in his time afield, given his play in AFL Origin last weekend.

However, Jackson did have extended stints in the ruck, despite Longmuir expecting that Jackson will not have to serve as Fremantle's number one rucking option to begin the season.

"We're not preparing to start the season with Jackson as our number one ruckman," Longmuir said.

"What we find, at times, is if we don't give enough ruck time across pre-season and then we have an injury and you need to get a new number one ruck, it makes them vulnerable to the heavy contest work and heavy change of direction that the ruck position demands.

"It's more of a conditioning thing. He played large minutes as a midfielder last week, so it was a good opportunity to give him time as a ruck this week."

However, Longmuir could not provide a clear timeline for Sean Darcy's return, who has been battling a calf complaint.

"Darcy is a chance to play next week but I haven't heard how he got through rehab today," Longmuir said.

"We'll work that out this afternoon and see how we go next week."

Hayden Young also hit the scoreboard for the Dockers as he regularly pushed forward in a more attacking midfield role. It's an exciting proposition for Fremantle, given the possibility of increased forward minutes for Young in 2026, which was hinted at on Saturday morning by teammate Jaeger O'Meara.

RELATED: Dockers hint at positional change for star amid midfield logjam

The Dockers did not get through the pre-season clash unscathed, however. Brennan Cox exited the match early with an apparent calf injury, though Longmuir downplayed its severity.

"Brennan Cox had a knock in his calf, he had some soreness," Longmuir said.

"It was precautionary [to take him off], but fingers crossed."

While the Eagles ultimately fell short, their early competitiveness will excite the league's most loyal fanbase.

The Eagles faithful got a taste of what is to come from their top draftees, with Pick 1 sensation Willem Duursma opening the clash with an exhilarating long-range effort on the run. Pick 4 Cooper Duff-Tytler would follow with a mark inside 50 and goal of his own.

West Coast's 2025 mid-season draftees also impressed. Tom McCarthy was arguably the Eagles' most electric player in the midfield, kicking a goal from inside the centre square, but also regularly winning the ball in the heat of the contest. It indicates positive improvement in this area as the budding star envisions a move into central midfield this year.

Medium forward Jacob Newton, who was selected with Pick 9 of the 2025 mid-season draft, also kicked a major to further highlight the Eagles' developing repertoire of forward options.

Unfortunately, the Eagles were also unable to come out of the match sim unscathed. Young forward Noah Long appeared to suffer a significant knee injury with minutes remaining in the final quarter, and had to be taken from the field.

RELATED: Luckless Eagles forward suffers significant knee injury

Fremantle will take on Adelaide on February 28 as a part of the Community Series fixture, while West Coast will invite Port Adelaide to Mineral Resources Park on March 1 for their final pre-season game.

Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Hanger 2026 AFL Season Guide! Packed with 150+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 AFL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION