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AAP
AAP
Justin Chadwick

Freo improve derby record to 7-0 with win over Eagles

Orlagh Lally kicked the last goal as the Dockers scored a 23-point AFLW win over the Eagles. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

Fremantle remain the rulers of the west after former Eagle Aisling McCarthy and ruck Mim Strom produced standout displays to lead the Dockers to a 23-point AFLW win over arch rivals West Coast.

The Dockers kicked three unanswered goals in the opening term of Saturday's match before weathering an Eagles fightback in the third quarter to secure the 5.5 (35) to 1.6 (12) win at Leederville Oval.

The result improved Fremantle's western derby record to a perfect 7-0.

Fremantle's Mim Strom competesagainst the Eagles' Lauren Wakfer.
Fremantle's Mim Strom, competing against the Eagles' Lauren Wakfer, had a standout game. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

But more importantly, the Dockers (6-3) remain in the hunt for a top-four berth with two rounds remaining.

West Coast's third loss on the trot dropped them to a 4-5 record, ending their finals hopes in Daisy Pearce's first year as coach.

Strom (48 hitouts, 15 disposals, three clearances, seven tackles) won the derby medal as best afield, with her dominance helping Fremantle win the clearance count 35-25.

McCarthy spent four seasons with West Coast before making the move to Fremantle at the end of last season.

The 28-year-old starred against her former side, tallying 20 disposals, 11 tackles, five clearances, 543m gained and a goal.

"It's been unbelievable. Over the years I've been in these derbies on the wrong side (of the result)," McCarthy told the Seven Network.

"So to grind out that win alongside the girls (is great).

"Credit to the Eagles. To see the strides they've made this year - they brought it right up to us and it went down to the wire."

West Coast won the inside-50 count 30-29, but couldn't make the most of their chances.

Isabella Lewis (26 disposals, seven clearances) and Ella Roberts (17 disposals, five clearances) battled hard for West Coast.

Fremantle suffered a pre-match blow when former skipper Hayley Miller was ruled out for a second consecutive week with a calf issue.

The Dockers lost Madeleine Scanlon to concussion during the match, while Eagles defender Belinda Smith suffered a game-ending leg injury in the second quarter.

The Dockers dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded with goals through McCarthy, Gabby Biedenweg-Webster and Dana East.

Gabby Biedenweg-Webster (right) is congratulated by Aisling McCarthy.
Gabby Biedenweg-Webster (right) is congratulated by Fremantle teammate Aisling McCarthy. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

West Coast star Roberts took two strong marks in attack but fluffed her shot each time, including one from just 20m out directly in front.

Biedenweg-Webster kicked the only goal of the second quarter as Fremantle headed into half-time with a 27-4 lead.

West Coast controlled territory in the third quarter and put the Dockers' defence under the pump with repeat entries, but their only reward was a goal to former Docker Amy Franklin.

Fremantle headed into the final change with a 16-point lead, and the game was still up for grabs before Orlagh Lally kicked the late sealer.

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