Under-pressure Dockers face history repeating as season’s end nears

Pressure: it’s something the Dockers failed to combat on Friday night against Brisbane.

It’s something they must also walk towards and embrace if they’re to cement a place in September.

This weekend, Fremantle head to Melbourne and must defeat a rampaging Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium to lock away a top-eight finish.

It’s a difficult task. The Dogs have lost just two of 12 matches at the venue this year and have the third-best percentage in the competition.

Much like Brisbane, the Dogs are very capable of moving the ball at speed, going through their gears, especially under the roof.

On Friday, Fremantle were inaccurate in front of goal, untidy, undisciplined and lacked the composure which has seen them win 11 of their past 12 games upon entering the Lions fixture.

And it was the type of performance which will leave them questioning and doubting themselves if they’re not mentally strong.

Fremantle let the Lions control the speed and tempo of the game, highlighted by a completely lop-sided uncontested marks tally: 147 - 54.

They can’t afford to sit back and be dictated too against the Dogs or a similar result will occur.

The Dockers are desperate not to replicate last year’s end to the season, where they held a top four position, before failing late and missing finals.

If history repeats itself, they’ll become the first side to win 15 games in a season and not qualify for the post-season.

Shining light for Eagles fans in club’s worst-ever season

In a year where there’s been little to celebrate, Eagles recruit Liam Baker has been a shining light.

His hunger, toughness and competitiveness made him a fan favourite at the Tigers during their premiership-winning era.

Those same traits have been displayed right from the outset in trying circumstances in his first year at West Coast, resulting in Baker being the hot favourite to take out the club’s best and fairest award, the John Worsfold Medal.

His commitment can never be questioned and from the earliest pre-season sessions it was evident he would be vital in setting standards in the new era under Andrew McQualter.

Yesterday, the 27-year-old’s responsibility and leadership was again called upon acting as the club’s “stand-in” skipper.

And it may just yet prove to be a role which could come his way on a more regular basis.

Suspension has ended co-captain Liam Duggan’s season, who used his early exit to undergo knee surgery.

His offsider Oscar Allen is leaving the club, and is set to formally announce he’ll be joining Brisbane in the coming weeks.

Should the Eagles choose to continue with a dual leadership model, Baker serves as the perfect fit to partner Duggan.