Jonathan Brown believes Fremantle has leapfrogged West Coast in premiership calculations, with a favourable schedule set to put the Dockers in the frame for a top-four finish.

Ross Lyon’s side reeled off a third consecutive win with an impressive final term against Port Adelaide at the weekend, lifting the side to sixth on the ladder with a 7-5 record and sneaking to within a game of the Eagles.

It was enough for Brown to state on Fox Footy’s On the Couch that Fremantle had become the superior WA side.

“I was really impressed seeing them live and first-hand,” Brown said.

“Don’t worry about West Coast being the defending premiers. I don’t even think they’re the best team in Western Australia.”

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The former Brisbane champion pointed to a quintet of statistical categories to support his case.

The Dockers are ranked higher than their cross-town rivals in points differential from turnovers (5th compared to 11th), opposition score per inside-50 (5th compared to 12th), post-stoppage contested possession (4th compared to 18th), points from forward half (11th compared to 13th), and forward 50 ground ball (11th compared to 13th).

“If you’re in the top five of all of these things, it usually points to a premiership or certainly right up there contending for a premiership,” Brown said.

Camera Icon Has Fremantle leapfrogged West Coast in flag calculations? Credit: Jackson Flindell

“Let’s have a look at where West Coast are. They’re nowhere near the top five in any of those stats.

“Fremantle - three out of the top five. So that suggests they’re in contention and they’re heading in the right direction.

“They’ve had good away wins against GWS and Collingwood at the MCG. They’re the best last-quarter team in the competition, they’ve got a world-class midfield, I think Jesse Hogan’s getting back into form.

“There’s a lot of positives and I think they’ve got the best draw to finish. Of their last 10 games, they play the eight bottom sides.

“I reckon we’ve got enough data now halfway through the season to go they should finish top four, or certainly knocking on the door.”

Fremantle plays a team in the current top four just once in the run to the finals - a home date with ladder leaders Geelong in Round 20.