Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we digest the talking points from the weekend’s games – and the highlights, frustrations and silver linings WA footy fans can cling to as the season progresses.

This week, Fremantle teased fans with what they’re capable of in 2026, taking a fast-tempo brand of footy to Geelong, before ultimately fading out in the second half of the game.

Freo brought the pressure, but their second-half fade-out will stay with them.Credit: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

Meanwhile, we should check in with West Coast fans, whose TVs were at risk of having the remote hurled through them at half-time on Sunday.

But what were the silver linings from the young Eagles squad, many of whom ran out in blue and gold for the first time?

What went right? The first quarter.

Fremantle jumped out of the blocks with their fifth-best opening term in club history.

They threatened to score whenever they ventured forward and did so at 12 of their 16 inside 50s, a ridiculous 75 per cent return.

Their pressure and hunt was dialled up, and the Cats felt it.

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