Former Hawthorn premiership player, Eagle and Hard Ball Gets AFL Show host Xavier Ellis runs his eye over West Coast and Fremantle’s performances in round seven.

West Coast

What I liked

It was great to see Andrew McQualter play Oscar Allen as a defender. For now, the captain is clearly a better option as a forward, particularly in comparison to Archer Reid and Jack Williams.

However, if the Eagles genuinely believe he will leave at season’s end, he cannot take the position of a developing forward.

The compensation for an Allen trade currently sits at pick two, which might be the Eagles’ only win for the year.

What I didn’t like

Despite the scoreline being close at quarter time, this was another game that was done and dusted very early.

Hawthorn’s 10 scoring shots to three told the story. To highlight how poor the Eagles have been this season so far, in VFL-AFL history they have won the fewest quarters through seven games (two) tied with the 1897 Saints and the 1950 Hawks.

What I would like to see

West Coast winning a quarter or two. Melbourne are a bottom 4 side, and at home this shouldn’t be beyond reach.

Fremantle

What I liked

Andrew Brayshaw.

The bookies have Brayshaw as the fourth favourite to take home this season’s Brownlow Medal, which his form absolutely warrants.

Brayshaw has had the most rounded start to the season of any midfielder in the competition, with the catalyst for his impressive form being the balance between his offensive prowess and his relentless defensive work — a unique blend in today’s game.

What I didn’t like

The Dockers have shown they can kick goals quickly this season — but only in patches. A seven-goal second quarter onslaught against the Dogs and a six-goal opening term last weekend was great, but to only score six goals in the final three quarters on Friday shows that the Dockers still have scoring issues that need attention.

What I would like to see

How the magnets fall on the whiteboard this weekend will be intriguing. Luke Jackson is likely to return, so I hope the team is selected on output rather than Oscar McDonald being omitted.