FREO fans looking for hope — and punters searching for Glendinning Medal value — should take heart from a pair of proven derby performers ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster.
We’re not talking about the likes of Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale or Aaron Sandilands, as good as they’ve been in clashes against West Coast over the journey.
Instead, it’s two speedsters in Stephen Hill and Michael Walters who have caused the Eagles plenty of recent problems and loom large for their club’s chances of causing an upset this weekend.
Hill’s derby record since the beginning of 2013 is exceptional, with West Coast having major difficulties curtailing his dash off a wing and ability to deliver to his team’s forwards.
His output in the past four derbies reads as follows:
R20 2015: 28 disposals, 1 goal (2 Brownlow votes)
R3 2015: 30 disposals, 3 goals (1 Brownlow vote)
R15 2014: 32 disposals, 3 goals (3 Brownlow votes)
R16 2013: 26 disposals, 2 goals (3 Brownlow votes)
Fremantle's Stephen Hill averaged 29 disposals and two goals against West Coast last season. Picture: Daniel WilkinsSource:News Corp Australia
Looking for someone who saves his best for derbies? Exactly half of Hill’s 18 Brownlow votes in the past three seasons have come from clashes against West Coast.
Walters, meanwhile, is fast building an impressive derby resume of his own.
Here’s what he’s produced in his past four local clashes:
R20 2015: 16 disposals, 4 goals
R3 2015: 16 disposals, 3 goals
R16 2013: 17 disposals, 3 goals
R1 2013: 16 disposals, 3 goals
Michael Walters has an impressive derby record. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images
Walters’s run of three or more goals in four consecutive derby outings represents the best such streak in derby history.
His equal career-best haul of four in the second local clash of 2015 briefly gave the Dockers hope of a remarkable comeback after being jumped in the opening term.
Walters is paying $23 to claim the Glendinning Medal for best afield, while Hill — a past winner — is at $21.
The form line suggests it’s worth a dabble, particularly with the duo among the Dockers’ best in last weekend’s loss to Gold Coast.
If they can keep rolling, it may just be enough to give Fremantle the spark it needs to get on the board in 2016.
PAST 10 GLENDINNING MEDAL WINNERS
Round 20, 2015: Josh Hill (West Coast)
Round 3, 2015: Lachie Neale (Fremantle)
Round 15, 2014: Stephen Hill (Fremantle)
Round 7, 2014: Lachie Neale (Fremantle)
Round 16, 2013: Michael Barlow (Fremantle)
Round 1, 2013: David Mundy / Michael Barlow (Fremantle)
Round 19, 2012: Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle)
Round 9, 2012: Matthew Rosa (West Coast)
Round 18, 2011: Dean Cox (West Coast)
Round 8, 2011: Matt Priddis (West Coast)
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