Fremantle’s AFLW coach Trent Cooper hopes his team can continue to fly under the radar – but he’s not going to get his wish.
The Dockers continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 45-point hammering of West Coast in Saturday’s inaugural western derby at Optus Stadium.
It came just a week after Fremantle beat Geelong by 16 points in a game in which they won the inside 50m count 47-13.
The results have seen the Dockers become premiership favourites in some betting markets, and they have a chance to go 3-0 when they host Collingwood next Saturday.
Cooper hopes the hype around his team doesn’t grow too much just yet.
“Teams on the eastern seaboard are going really well,” he said.
“We haven’t been talked about too much as a chance at this stage, which suits us.
“I’d probably prefer if they say we’re no chance. We’re happy with what we’re doing internally, and the group are a really happy group.”
Star midfielder Kiara Bowers has been a shining light for the Dockers so far this season.
Bowers tallied a whopping 18 tackles to go with her 13 disposals against the Eagles to win the inaugural western derby medal as best afield.
“It’s such a great thing as a coach when your best players are doing that, because it sets the example,” Cooper said of Bowers’ tackling intensity.
While things are looking rosy at Fremantle, the same can’t be said for expansion side West Coast, who look set for a season of pain.
The Eagles have booted a combined total of three goals in their opening two games, and face a tough away encounter against GWS next Sunday.
Star West Coast recruit Dana Hooker was part of Fremantle’s set-up during their early days, and she knows it takes time for new teams to grow.
“This year, in my eyes, I just want to see little improvements every week,” Hooker said.
“We’re a new team to the competition. I’ve had the experience of being part of a growth process before when you’re not getting many wins early and it can be under tough circumstances.
“But you’ve just got to stick with it, you’ve just got to keep going, and it all comes with time.”
Eagles skipper Emma Swanson will be monitored this week after copping a heavy knock to the head against Fremantle.
