AN analysis of the tribunal records from the past 10 years highlights the extent of the animosity between Fremantle and West Coast.

The rivalry that spun out of control in the 2000 demolition derby has seen games constantly played in a tense atmosphere.

Gaff yesterday became the 11th player in the past 10 years to be suspended after a western derby. Another seven have been reprimanded or fined for incidents that can carry suspensions, while 12 players have been fined for wrestling or being involved in melees.

Biting, kneeing and striking are among the list of incidents that were punished.

Those derbies followed a bitter battle in 2007, with fights between Des Headland and Adam Selwood after deeply personal sledging on the field.

The angry tribunal hearing reached the point where legal threats were issued as the players left.

Some of the AFL’s biggest rivalries have been built on passion that often overflowed but those clashes do not have the same recent long tribunal records.

While Port Adelaide and Adelaide players were involved in a wild brawl at the Ramsgate Hotel in 2002, the SA showdowns have been more about football than fighting in the past 10 years.

During that time, only three players have been suspended and none of those was for more than one week. Showdowns also include five reprimands or fines for offences carrying a suspension and two fines for wrestling.

Former players from Essendon and Hawthorn spoke of their dislike for each other in the build up to last week’s game.

Five-time premiership Hawk Dermott Brereton — who famously charged through Essendon’s three-quarter-time huddle in 1988 — revealed the players were even kept apart when representing their States.

But only six Bombers or Hawks have been suspended after their clashes in the past decade.

Former Fremantle coach Mark Harvey played for Essendon during the spiteful 1980s and now works at the club as an assistant coach.

He said western derbies were unique.

“I have been involved in those derbies and they are heated,” Harvey told SEN Radio. “There is a massive build up. One side of the river is West Coast, the other is Fremantle.

“The pressure that is put upon the players, sometimes reactions unfortunately can evolve.

“I was coaching and Des Headland and Selwood had a massive blue ... it does get personal.

“In this case, looking at Gaff, he looks like a quality person and has been a sensational player. I just think he had a brain fade in this particular instance.

“There was a little bit of (poor cousin) and, to be honest, when I was coaching that made sure that we served it up to them as best we could.”

The clubs will have time to calm down before playing another derby next season.

Andrew Brayshaw’s injuries will heal and Gaff will serve his suspension.

But given the first derby of 2018 was played under the cloud of Fremantle declining to award a Ross Glendinning Medal, the relationship between the clubs got even worse on Sunday.

It will take an incredible off-season for the next clash to be anything but tense.