Connor Blakely and Tobe Watson taste first derby success in Fremantle’s drought-breaking win over West Coast

Connor Blakely and Tobe Watson both won their first ever western derbies on Sunday, as Fremantle ended a seven-year drought against arch rivals West Coast. The 12.7 (79) to 9.10 (64) win is Fremantle’s first in a derby since round three of the 2015 season, following on from 11 consecutive losses to the Eagles. It also means if results go their way and they beat St Kilda, the Dockers can still play finals. It was a case of brutal irony for Blakely, who having been employed as a medical substitute eight times throughout the season, needed to be substituted himself. He pulled up sore just before half-time with a soft tissue injury which appears likely to keep him out of round 23 and any finals his club may feature in. The former Bunbury Bulldog had six disposals, four of which were kicks in his 36 minutes on ground. Blakely even sneaked forward, marking inside 50 for a set-shot on goal during Fremantle’s rampaging first term. But the 25-year-old could not add to his three career goals, missing to the left. It was Blakely’s first ever western derby win after five attempts. Watson’s game was headlined by a remarkable 100 per cent disposal efficiency and his composure under the immense pressure of West Coast’s powerful forward line. The Donnybrook product took eight marks, playing undersized at times against second ruckman Nathan Vardy. After an eye-catching start to the season, Watson has been on the fringes in recent weeks. He was picked ahead of HBL’s Ethan Hughes to replace the injured Nathan Wilson in defence this week, but has not played consecutive games at AFL level since round 12. Meanwhile, Busselton’s Damon Greaves missed again for Hawthorn in their upset victory over the Western Bulldogs and Neville Jetta is still on the outer at Melbourne as they shape up for a deep finals run. Neither were able to play any State league games this week, with Victoria’s lockdown seeing the postponement of VFL games.