In a typically tight contest, the Dockers showed their class by containing a desperate West Coast to win by a cool 10 points. Brownlow fancy Paul Haselby, Captain Peter Bell, consistent James Walker and the enigmatic Jeffery Farmer starred for the "visitors" who absorbed all that the Wet Toast could slap at them before pulling away in the "premiership" quarter.

Gwen Slapovich bolted out of the blocks in typically zealous fashion, but his fitness and general lack of skill was easily accounted for post the first quarter by All-Australian centre half back Luke McPharlin. Other performers for the Eagles were Daniel Kerr and Ashley Sampi, both of whom are fast developing reputations for doing well against the Dockers. Cousins may have amassed twenty eight possessions, but most of those were relatively pedestrian, especially when opposed to Peter Bell's scintillating 33 and a sensational goal in the third term.

The Eagles went into the game frothing at the mouth for the four points, to stay in touch with the top eight, but the Dockers, fast maturing under the "Pash", Chris Connolly were able to handle the seldom given 'favourite' tag and win as everyone bar the blindly idiotic Wet Toast supporters expected them to.

The crowd was also typically quiet until half time, worried of looking foolish cheering for a second rate side. However when Kerr kicked truly on the half time siren to give the Eagles a two point lead, the clinking of chardonnay glasses did make quite a noise. Jeff Farmer showed something of what he is capable of, and his antics were just the tonic to revv up what was a generally sleepy crowd.

This was the perfect lead up game for the Dockers next challenge: league leaders St. Kilda who have just lost captain Lenny Hayes and ruckman Justin Koschitzke both due to suspension. Bring on St. Losers....

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