BrisbaneNorg

Eagles fans stay away as West Coast lose

The smallest and quietest derby crowd for many years have seen the West Coast Eagles defeated by a fired up Fremantle. Despite the game being a sell out and being shown live on Channel Ten, only 39,000 fans braved the expected rain to see Pavlich win the Ross Glendinning Medal for the first time. During the broadcast Glen Jakovich, former West Coast champion, commented on the quietness of the crowd.

Despite the Eagles kicking the first two goals, Fremantle took a 27 point lead into the half time break. The last quarter saw the Eagles draw to within 10 points at one stage, but many of the West Coast fans had left by then, again highlighted on the television commentary.

Sandilands, who dominated the ruck contest, and had the better of his more fancied opponent Dean Cox, kicked the sealer after plucking the ball out of the ruck contest and kicking truly.

Fremantle won 12.15 (87) to 10.13 (73) and look forward to playing Richmond next week at Subiaco. The Eagles, who are now below their cross team rivals on the ladder, will face home town favourites Sydney at the SCG.