West Coast midfielder Jack Graham is expecting a heated contest during this weekend’s Western Derby as both sides search to get a win on the board.
Both West Coast and Fremantle sit on the bottom of the ladder with zero wins to their name after disappointing starts to each of their seasons.
For West Coast, a derby win would also mark the first victory for new coach Andrew McQualter along with Graham, fellow former Tiger Liam Baker and Ex-Blue Matt Owies at their new club.
Graham was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s game against Brisbane, sidelined with a hip issue, but he is a chance to play this weekend.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash at Optus Stadium, Graham says both sides know what is at stake, and he is looking forward to possibly playing his maiden Derby.
“Obviously, Freo are in that position. They want the same as us. We want to win games at football, and I know they do,” he told SportFM.
“It’s going to be a great game, both teams going at it, trying to get their first win of the year. So it’s going to be heated, and I’m really looking forward to the contest.
“It’s going to be a massive build-up. Potentially my first one, so I’m just kind of enjoying the week doing whatever I can to get it right, so I can put my hand up and play. It’s got a good feeling about it and excited for it.”
Last weekend was a significant improvement on Round One’s thrashings for both crosstown rivals, who were both in a position to win against their respective opponents before slipping away in the final quarter.
West Coast impressed against reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba, where they put up a solid three-quarter fight, despite losing 94-79.
In the first half, the Eagles rocked Brisbane, taking a four-goal advantage into the main break. Brisbane slowly chipped away at the margin before securing the win in the final stanza.
Statistically, there was a massive improvement across the board compared to the disappointment of the Gold Coast game, where they were comprehensively smashed in almost all areas.
Graham says this came from a change in approaching contests.
“I think it was just our contest work. Wanting the ball, a bit of our inside fight, our balance.
“We might have all got sucked into the ball against Gold Coast whereas we held some outside balance against Brisbane and it just comes back to our effort, intent and our work rate. That was the main thing.
“We had a good review yesterday. Minnie went through some clips of blokes really putting their head down and working to that next contest, but we’ve just got to do it for longer now. The belief’s there and shows when we do put it together, we play pretty good football. “
Graham also praised his former Richmond teammate Liam Baker, who found himself in the middle and off his usual half-back role.
Baker had 24 disposals – including 10 contested, seven tackles and 22 pressure acts throughout the game.
“He just competes really. He’s just happy to do whatever he can for the team,” said Graham.
“He was put in the midfield to bring the contest, and his first half was amazing. He really set the standard in crashing in with tackles, getting the ball forward, whatever it might be, a soccer or a follow-up, handball received. He just competes all day.
“ I think that’s why the boys love playing with him. I’ve played with him for the last seven, eight years, and every week he just gives his all.
“He loves playing off the half back, but then he gets chucked into the midfield, and he thinks he can’t run it out the game because he’s not fit enough. But we’ve watched some of the efforts, how hard he actually does work. He’s got to give himself some credit at some times for this.
“He’s a pretty special player, and I can see why the boys love playing with him as I have been the last seven years.”
IMAGE: AFL Photos