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Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe believes Dockers still have a ‘fair way to go’ after West Coast derby drubbing

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
VideoJamie Cripps had a big third term in the derby, including this running goal.

Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe admitted the Dockers “still have a fair way to go” in squaring the derby ledger after a brutal 59 point loss to West Coast on Sunday.

Both sides rattled by injury, Fremantle entered the game with all the momentum and on the back of a three-game winning streak.

But the 52nd edition of the derby failed to deliver on the hype as West Coast made it 11 straight wins over their cross-town rival.

Many, including Dockers great Paul Hasleby, felt Sunday’s derby was a chance for Fremantle to finally draw a line in the sand, Fyfe believes there is still a talent gap between the two sides.

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“I was a little bit unsure about that conversation,” Fyfe said.

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“We were solid for a half but they showed us we still have a fair way to go.

“Clearly there’s been a talent difference for a number of years and the ledger is slowly evening up.

“They’re still a more mature and experienced side with some high-quality players but we think that will balance back into our favour.

“At some point the ship will turn around and we’ll have our time in the sun.

“We’ll lick our wounds in the first couple days of the week but we’ve got to move on quickly. We’ve got another match in seven days.”

After half-time, Fyfe said Fremantle struggled to defend West Coast’s ball movement and the midfield battle became a shootout.

Nat Fyfe believes Sean Darcy could become a top five ruckman in the competition.
Camera IconNat Fyfe believes Sean Darcy could become a top five ruckman in the competition. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

But even as the likes of Glendinning-Allan medallist Tim Kelly and Andrew Gaff took control at the contest, Fyfe couldn’t fault the effort of his teammates.

“Andy Brayshaw, David Mundy and Sean Darcy really battled hard for us,” he said.

“Sean is turning himself into a top-five ruckman in the competition with the performances he puts up week after week and today was another step forward for him I thought.”

Fyfe also commended the effort of young defender Heath Chapman who played out the game despite a painful shoulder injury in the first quarter.

“I don’t think he had to earn anything,” Fyfe said when asked if his bravery had earnt the respect of the playing group.

“He’d already earnt it from the way he went about it during the pre-season.

“It’s not ideal to see young players have to deal with those sort of injuries and he’s got a fair challenge ahead of him from here but it was a brave effort. He’s a tough kid.”

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