West Coast Eagles coach, Andrew McQualter, is anticipating an intense competition at upcoming Derby game against Fremantle.
"I expect them to be really physical because that's what they talk about all the time," McQualter said.
"They are a physical team, they play the game that way and we look forward to that."
West Coast will certainly have their work cut out for them, if they try and match Fremantle's physical aggression. According to data from Footywire, Fremantle are currently ranked fourth in tackles per game while the Eagles trail behind them at twelfth. Losing Jack Graham, the player with the highest number of tackles last season, has also surely thrown a spanner in McQualter's works.
Despite being generally acknowledged as the underdogs approaching this showdown, McQualter assures fans that the Eagles aren't worried, saying: "We think every week that we can beat every team. It's going to be a challenge but one we're looking forward to."
It's a bold claim to make, with Fremantle perched at second place on the ladder, far above West Coast's fifteenth.
Derbys are traditionally very competitive, very fiery games, which McQualter is not only anticipating but welcoming. West Coast has lost four out of the last five Western Derbies. However, historically, they are the stronger team, holding 33 wins against the Dockers' 28.
A packed home game crowd will only add to the atmosphere for the Eagles.
"We're absolutely rapt and excited to play in these games. These are like finals, these Derbies."
