Next generation of West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers stars set to make their mark on western derby rivalry

Next Generation of West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers Stars Set to Make Their Mark on Western Derby Rivalry

In the heart of Perth, a new chapter in the fierce and historic Western Derby rivalry is unfolding. For decades, the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers have battled for supremacy, with their contests known for their raw intensity, passion, and the pride each side takes in representing their part of the city. But now, a fresh wave of talent is rising, bringing with them the promise of new legends and a fresh dynamic to one of AFL’s most iconic rivalries.

The 2025 season has already seen the rise of young stars on both sides who are quickly making their presence felt. These next-generation players are not only the future of their respective teams, but also the future of the Western Derby itself.

The New Eagles Stars

At West Coast, all eyes are on Liam Foster, a dynamic midfielder whose skillset combines speed, vision, and precision. Drafted in 2024, Foster’s debut season in 2025 has already captured the imagination of Eagles fans. With a fearsome ability to break through the opposition’s midfield and deliver pinpoint passes, Foster’s performances against top-tier teams have been nothing short of spectacular.

“There’s something about the energy of a Western Derby that really brings the best out of me,” Foster said, his excitement palpable. “Every time I step onto the field, I feel that pressure. I want to be the one to change the game for the Eagles.”

His teammate, Oscar Bailey, a rising star in the backline, has also been turning heads. Bailey’s fearless approach to contested marking and his unmatched ability to read the play has earned him comparisons to some of the club’s greatest defenders. With a calm demeanor under pressure and a knack for making game-saving interventions, Bailey is proving to be an indispensable part of the team.

“The rivalry is real,” Bailey admits, “and I can feel it every time we face the Dockers. But I’ve always loved the challenge. We’re a new team, but we’re ready to make our mark.”

The Emerging Dockers Stars

On the opposite side of the town, the Fremantle Dockers have their own set of prodigious talents making waves in the AFL. Riley Brooks, a young forward, has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the competition. With his blistering pace, exceptional footy IQ, and ability to create scoring opportunities from almost any angle, Brooks is making a name for himself as a future superstar of the Dockers.

“I’ve always watched the Western Derby as a fan before being drafted,” Brooks said. “To now be part of it, it’s something I’ll never take for granted. The rivalry runs deep, and I can’t wait to prove myself in it.”

Alongside him is Kai Thompson, a midfield dynamo with exceptional agility and a penchant for breaking through tackles. Thompson’s ability to control the tempo of a game is quickly becoming his trademark, and with the rise of Fremantle’s younger players, the Dockers are looking poised to push the Eagles for dominance in the rivalry.

“The energy from the fans is incredible,” Thompson said. “The Western Derby is about pride. It’s about playing for something bigger than yourself.”

The Showdown

As the 2025 Western Derby approaches, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation. For many, this season’s match-up is about more than just the game—it’s about witnessing the birth of the next generation of players who will carry the rivalry forward for years to come.

The fans can already sense the shift. No longer are the games simply defined by veterans and past glories, but by a new wave of talent hungry to make their own legacy. Whether it’s Foster’s dazzling ball skills, Brooks’ sharp footwork in front of goal, Bailey’s defensive mastery, or Thompson’s midfield dominance, each player is carrying their team’s hopes into this fiercely contested game.

There is no doubting the passion that each of these rising stars has for the Western Derby, and with it, a new era is dawning. The old guard of players from both clubs may still have a role to play, but as the younger stars step into the spotlight, it’s clear that the future of the Western Derby is in safe hands.

When the siren sounds and the game is on, the next generation of West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers players will battle not just for the win, but for a piece of history. A rivalry that has always been defined by passion, pride, and fierce competition is about to be reignited by the stars of tomorrow.

And as the new stars make their mark, one thing is certain: the Western Derby will never be the same again.