Expectations were sky-high for Fremantle as they approached the 2025 season, with AFL analyst David King even predicting they could clinch the premiership.
Unfortunately for the Dockers, their season has gotten off to a turbulent start, suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Geelong in the opening round and then succumbing to the Swans at home last weekend.
Now, they gear up for their 60th Western Derby against a West Coast side that made a strong impression against reigning champions Brisbane in round two and managed to shock Fremantle this time last year.
Even with the club reaffirming the commitment to coach Justin Longmuir, a loss on Sunday night would be a significant setback for his team.
Not only would their finals aspirations take a hit at 0-3, but the rivalry’s bragging rights would also hang in the balance against their cross-town foes.
Fremantle midfielder Jaeger O’Meara remains optimistic that the club can turn their fortunes around this weekend with all eyes in the footy community set on Perth.
Fremantle midfielder Jaeger O’Meara believes the Dockers can find their rhythm. Getty
“Both teams are 0-2, it’s a Western Derby, and there’s an extra level of pressure since footy is beloved throughout WA, so everyone wants their team to succeed in this match,” O’Meara stated to reporters on Tuesday.
“Our goal is to get started and establish our style of footy consistently over four quarters, which has eluded us so far.
“We’re trying not to focus too much on the pressure of the match itself; we have larger concerns to manage.”
The weight is on the Dockers to avoid a 0-3 start, especially with finals contenders Carlton and Melbourne facing similar difficulties.
The Blues will clash with the Western Bulldogs on Friday night. They’ll be missing star forward Harry McKay for personal reasons, while Charlie Curnow is still making his way back to fitness after undergoing three surgeries during the off-season.
Melbourne recently faced a disappointing 59-point defeat to North Melbourne in round two and will now take on a Gold Coast team that looked incredibly strong with their 87-point rout of West Coast before their bye.
Melbourne’s Max Gawn and Harry Petty make their way off the field following the loss to North. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Demons have confirmed that key defenders Steven May (larynx injury) and Jake Lever (ankle) will be available for the matchup against the Suns.
Both the Blues and Demons could face increased external pressure if they falter this weekend, with their finals prospects hanging by a thread.
Scroll down for the up-to-date leaderboard and Round 3 predictions from all of Nine’s expert tipsters!
Nine’s AFL tipping leaderboard. Nine
Jimmy Bartel: Port Adelaide, Carlton, Gold Coast, St Kilda, Hawthorn, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle
Tom Morris: Port Adelaide, Bulldogs, Melbourne, St Kilda, GWS, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle
Eddie McGuire: Port Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, Gold Coast Suns, St Kilda, GWS Giants, Brisbane Lions, Adelaide Crows, Fremantle
Tony Jones: Essendon, Carlton, Melbourne, Richmond, Hawthorn, Brisbane, Adelaide, West Coast
Clint Stanaway: Port Adelaide, Bulldogs, Melbourne, St Kilda, Hawks, Lions, Crows, Fremantle
Nat Yoannidis: Port Adelaide, Bulldogs, Demons, St Kilda, Hawks, Lions, Crows, Fremantle
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