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The Stocks Round 8: Fremantle and West Coast

Posted on | Posted by TABtouch

Round 8 saw Fremantle take their unbeaten win-streak to eight under the lights of Friday night, despite a very shaky start against the Dogs. They now face the Hawks on Thursday night in what shapes to be a blockbuster between 2v3 on the ladder. West Coast couldn’t live up to the billing as favourites against the Tigers, who took home their first victory of 2026 by 11 points, despite having an injury-list of eighteen. It doesn’t get any easier for Andrew McQualter’s side, as they prepare to take on the surprise packet of the season so far, being the 7th placed Demons at Marvel Stadium, where they won’t have fond memories of a fortnight ago against the Saints…

Here are the numbers that matter most for TABtouch punters heading into the next round for our WA teams.

Up

Shai Bolton

Bolton’s season continues to scale new heights, already recording his most amount of 30+ disposals games in a season, ironically in his 10th AFL season. If he can keep this form up, then a second All-Australian blazer is in sight for the two-time premiership star after his inaugural selection in 2022.

Hayden Young

When Young hits the scoreboard, a Fremantle win usually follows. The Dockers have a 85% strike rate of winning when the dangerous left footer kicks 2+ goals, which he did for the 7th time in his career on Friday night, including a freakish banana from the pocket to be a Goal of the Year contender.

Elliot Yeo

Yeo’s influence in front of goal remains consistent, despite the veteran being involved in another frustrating West Coast loss. He’s now registered six consecutive games kicking at least one goal, the longest streak in his career since 2018, where he of course won a best and fairest award in a premiership season.

Down

West Coast discipline

The Eagles are the only side in the competition with three players inside the AFL’s top 10 for free kicks against
Harley Reid (22) who gave away another 5 on the weekend, plus former Tigers Liam Baker (16) and Jack Graham (15) are those to feature, which further raises questions about the discipline implemented into both the senior and younger players.

Matt Johnson

Johnson has well and truly cemented himself in this Freo outfit, having some clutch moments including the sealer at Adelaide Oval against the Pies in Gather Round, however Round 8 marked the first time since 2024 he’s gone back‑to‑back games with fewer than 15 disposals. His track record is positive when this occurs though, never doing these three weeks in a row, so make of that what you will this week against the Hawks.

Elijah Hewett

The former first-round draft pick is still searching for continuity off the back of injuries and a delayed start to the season, however it was another quiet afternoon for the 21-year-old, finishing with eight disposals, his lowest tally since 2023 (outside of Derby games). Struggling to make much of an impact at the moment, despite the explosiveness we know he possesses, so one to keep a close eye on for 10+ disposal markets.

Fremantle v Hawthorn Round 9 Fremantle v Hawthorn Round 9 Melbourne v West Coast Round 9 Melbourne v West Coast Round 9



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