AFLW western derby: Ex-Eagle Aisling McCarthy plays key role in extending Fremantle derby streak
Some might find it surreal to face their former teammates in a derby for the first time, but Eagle-turned-Docker Aisling McCarthy felt completely at ease amid the hostility from her old club.
And her comfort showed on the field, with the midfielder playing a crucial role in setting up Fremantle’s 23-point victory and seventh consecutive AFLW western derby win.
McCarthy led Fremantle for disposals (20) and metres gained (543), while also tallying 11 tackles, five clearances and five score involvements.
She also kicked the opening goal of the game after receiving some physical attention from her former teammates almost immediately after the game began.
But having already played twice in pre-season against the Eagles, whom she ran out for 31 times, McCarthy said she was ready for the moment as she finally tasted derby delight at sixth time of asking.
“It’s round eight now, so I’m fairly used to it, and I got to play against the Eagles before pre-season, and in the pre-season again, so I feel like I was well prepared,” she said.
“A couple of players came to me early, but just to score the goal and settle the nerves a little bit and do what my role is for the team… everyone contributed really well today, and I’m just delighted to get over the line.”
Fremantle kicked three opening-quarter goals as they dominated territory and kept West Coast goalless in the first half. McCarthy said while they were braced for the inevitable attempted comeback, she was pleased with how they handled it.
“We knew the Eagles were going to come at us. It’s a different atmosphere come derby day and they’ve been doing really well this year,” she said.
“When they were coming to us, that’s when we needed to steady the ship a little bit and that’s when we lifted as well.
“They had their looks, but we kind of nullified them a lot throughout the day and I think both teams had purple patches.”
Camera IconAisling McCarthy was one of Fremantle’s best against the Eagles. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images
McCarthy was full of praise for the Dockers’ defence, which held the Eagles to just one goal and deprived them of high quality looks inside 50, as well as their work at the stoppages, where Mim Strom dominated in the ruck on her way to the best-on-ground medal.
“Our backs really held up, they’re like a brick wall down there and nothing really gets through them easily,” she said.
“Around the contest as well, we started to get back that momentum and get the ball going forward for us a bit more.”
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