Round 3 of the 2025 AFL season concludes with the 60th instalment of the Western Derby as Fremantle fight to kickstart their season, when they take on arch rivals West Coast. It’s certain that there will be plenty of feeling in this clash, with both sides in desperate need of a victory. Find our full preview and tips for the match below!
Also, Before You Bet will be providing free previews and betting tips for EVERY game in the 2025 AFL season, so make sure to head over to out our AFL Tips regularly to keep up to date with all of our free content.
West Coast vs Fremantle
Location: Optus Stadium – Perth
Date: Sunday, 30th March
Time: 6:10pm AEDT
Odds: West Coast ($4) vs Fremantle ($1.24)
Line: Fremantle -31.5
Points: 170.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Dabble. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
Coming into the season many had Fremantle finishing in the top four, however it’s been a horror start over the first two rounds for the Dockers. After being obliterated by Geelong in Round 1, Fremantle led for 103 of the 114 minutes played in Round 2, but failed to beat the Swans.
The 0-2 start has heaped pressure on Justin Longmuir, with the Dockers losing their last 5 games that have been decided by 13 or fewer points.
After a horrendous showing in Round 1, West Coast jumped out of the blocks against Brisbane, kicking the first 5 goals to be on the brink of a major upset. The Eagles couldn’t maintain their momentum in the second half, conceding 10 goals to 4 to go down by 19 points, however Andrew McQualter would’ve been thrilled with their effort in trying conditions.
The Eagles could have some handy inclusions for the Derby, with West Coast naming Jack Graham, Matt Flynn, Bo Allan and Jack Williams in the extended squad.
The Dockers have named Isaiah Dudley, Karl Worner, Liam Reidy and James Aish in Sunday’s squad.
Fremantle’s ball movement across their first two games of the season has been a major issue, which has seen them rank 16th in points (67 points per game). The Dockers imbalance between their handball and kicking game has led to a lack of territory and opportunities for their forwards. Fremantle ranks 15th for kicks and 3rd for handballs, which in turn has seen them ranked 13th for inside 50’s. The Dockers need to be more daring by foot if they are to be the side that most think they are capable of being.
The Dockers will be looking to their midfield to give them the ascendancy in this clash, given the Eagles struggles in the middle of the ground. West Coast ranks 17th for contested possessions, 17th for ground ball gets and 16th in clearances. A midfield featuring Caleb Serong, Andy Brayshaw and Jaeger O’Meara should be feasting in this matchup.
Fremantle have had the better of the Derby in recent years, winning 6 of the last 7 games between the two WA teams. Those six wins have come by an average winning margin of 45 points, while 13 of West Coast’s 18 defeats last season came by over 32 points.
Given the must win nature of this clash for Fremantle, the Dockers will be coming out all guns blazing, and the Eagles had a draining clash against the Lions which saw many of their players struggle to run out the game. Fremantle will bounce back from a difficult fortnight, and get their season going with a big Derby win.
Fremantle -31.5
$2.15 (1.5 Units)
Same Game Multi
Throughout the 2025 AFL season we’ll be putting together a fun same game multi for every match at BoomBet using their BetShare feature.
To follow our multi, just click on the BoomBet BetShare button below and our same game multi selections will be added straight into your bet slip on BoomBet. You can then enter how much you wish to wager, and with a single click, your bet has been placed!
Caleb Serong 25+ Disposals: The Fremantle superstar will be desperate to bounce back after being clamped by James Jordan last week. Serong has dominated the Derby with 3 Glendinning–Allan Medals, and has recorded 32, 27, 30, 35 and 25 disposals in his last five games against the Eagles.
Jaeger O’Meara 25+ Disposals: Whilst his teammates haven’t been at their best, Jaeger O’Meara has wound back the clock to start 2025, with back to back 30+ disposal games. O’Meara saw a massive jump in his centre bounce attendances last week (77%), and looks to be back to having a genuine midfield role.
Jordan Clark 20+ Disposals: Clark’s form off half back has been one of the only positives in Fremantle’s opening fortnight, averaging 23.5 disposals per game at 83% disposal efficiency. Clark reached the 20+ disposal mark in 19 out of 23 games last season.
Tyrell Dewar Anytime Goal Scorer: Dewar was one of many West Coast youngsters that impressed last week, kicking 2 goals against the Lions. Dewar has hit the scoreboard in four of his last six games, and will be eager for a big performance in his first Derby.
SGM Odds: $4.75 at BoomBet
