1. Reece Conca will be a valuable acquisition

One of the leading ball winners on the ground in the first half and showed a pretty cool head in what was a pretty hot game. Could have used the ball better, but his experience will be handy for Fremantle.

2. West Coast’s clearance work will scare a few teams

It was the area of the game the Dockers struggled most to contain them. The Eagles built a 27-15 half-time lead at the stoppages, including an 8-3 edge at the centre clearances, with Luke Shuey scooting clear decisively a couple of times. If they get Nic Naitanui back they will be very dangerous.

3. Fremantle’s soft-tissue injuries are becoming a real problem

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Brennan Cox left the field before quarter-time and had his left hamstring iced, then bandaged. Harley Bennell’s calf and Stephen Hill’s quad have become sagas and Griffin Logue injured a hamstring a week ago. There’s a concerning number of Dockers in dry dock.

4. Fremantle have stoppage worries

If West Coast’s clearance work can scare a few teams, the Dockers might be frightened about what lies ahead for them if they can’t get Nat Fyfe on the park. If the Eagles held a first-half edge at the stoppages, it became a procession in the third quarter with a string of goals kicked from stoppages with players just strolling through openings. The centre-clearance count at the end was 18-5 and the overall stoppage count 55-27.

5. The handshake

After all the build-up, the much anticipated handshake between Andrew Brayshaw and Andrew Gaff might have been picked up by the cameras but barely was noticed by the 8000 strong crowd at Mandurah. The pair sought each other out before the first bounce and exchanged pleasantries, The crowd just wanted the game to start.

6. Jack Petruccelle

The speedster has booked his ticket to Brisbane for the round one clash with Brisbane. Kicked a couple of goals and his pace electrifies the Eagles’ attack. At one point he took on and burnt off Nathan Wilson, who is not exactly slow. Oscar Allen can probably join him if Josh Kennedy misses.

7. Rioli magic

Willie Rioli is on his way to becoming as much fun to watch as his famous relatives. He kicked four goals yesterday and created opportunities for a handful of teammates. He has that instinctive ability to know when the opportunity is his and when it should be given off. It’s a Rioli trait. He has it in spades.

8. Hogan shines bright

Jesse Hogan was one big positive to come out of the game for the Dockers: Beat Jeremy McGovern cold in a couple of one on ones, kicked one himself and created a couple for teammates. On a day when their midfield got absolutely belted, Hogan’s 18 disposals, five marks and a goal was a more than reasonable return.

9. Gov building

Speaking of McGovern, he may be one Eagles player still building to peak form. Had off-season rib surgery, wasn’t re-introduced to body contact until just before the JLT Community series, was moderate against Geelong and looked vulnerable in one on one duels against Hogan. They will be hoping he is better in two weeks time.

10. Here we go again

Fremantle’s ball handling and ball use is well off the pace against quality AFL teams now and it was on show again.