The Western Derby ( /ˈdɜrbiː/) is the name given to the Australian rules football match between the Fremantle Football Club and the West Coast Eagles, who both participate in the Australian Football League (AFL). As both teams are based in Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, the term "derby" is used to describe the match. It has become one of the most important matches for football in Western Australia, with former South Fremantle and West Coast player, and current West Coast coach John Worsfold claiming that in the week before a derby that it is the main topic in Perth.
It's obviously different to the build-up of any normal game... We don't care what else is happening in the country, which is great." —John Worsfold, Pierik, Jon (24 July 2011). "The West is history". The Sunday Age. http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?page=1&sy=nstore&docID=SAG110724UG5RI4KM567.In 2004, during the 175th-anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the Swan River Colony, the Western Derby was named as one of twelve "Heritage Icons", in recognition of "football's key social and historical importance to the State".
Referring to a melee during the Round 21, 2000 Derby, Channel Nine sports reporter Michael Thompson said the match had divided Western Australia and the "football landscape in WA has been changed forever."
There are two Western Derbies every year during the home and away season, always being held at Subiaco Oval. There has never been a Western Derby finals match.
West Coast were the dominant team during Fremantle's initial years, winning the first nine derbies, however since Fremantle won their first Western Derby in July 1999, it has been fifteen wins to twelve in Fremantle's favour. Fremantle are the current holders of the Western Derby Trophy, having beaten West Coast by 65 points in Round 19, 2012.
The player adjudged best on ground in each derby match is awarded the Ross Glendinning Medal, named after ex-West Coast Eagles player and former Fremantle Dockers Chairman of selectors Ross Glendinning.
Read more about Western Derby: Home and Away Season Derby Results
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