Sometimes they’re derbies, sometimes they’re simply leg stretching, workload management periods. Time to Restump Podcast what was arguably the most mundane Western Derby in history. 

Inevitability is the thief of suspense. Has there been less excitement to the build up to a Western Derby? Unsurprisingly the lack of hype and interest for the game met expectations. There was no pulse, not a moment of angst as it all felt a bit soulless. 

No Optus Stadium fire hydrants need replacing because there wasn’t a single spot fire on the day. Derby greats of yesteryear from both teams would be shaking their head in disappointment, bewildered about what the Derbies have become.

Is it a sign of the times, where the “It isn’t a good look” folk have too much influence? Are the finger wagging purists in charge, frowning upon anyone who colours outside the line? Are the players prioritising earning capacity over the love of the jumper?

Or is it simply the West Coast Eagles are so dreadfully uncompetitive, they’ve sucked all the derby fun out of existence? While the smart money is on the latter, it was still played in far too good a spirit. 

I simply can’t recall ever having these thoughts regarding a derby ever and I have seen every single one. 

From our purple perspective it was pleasing to see Jye Amiss get on the end of a handful of goals. A day out indeed, but he probably left a couple more out there. Is he back on track? His recent games have shown promise, but we reserve full judgment as you can’t assess accurately against that non-existent pressure.

Murphy Reid is going the right way to get himself a hard tag each week going forward. If Murph was playing for Freo in the early modern period in the 16th century and delivered the same sorcery he is today, he’d have been burned at the stake! 

Josh Treacy and Andy Brayshaw both took the opportunity to let the foot off the pedal as their usual hundred miles an hour input just simply wasn’t necessary.

Jordan Clark was awarded the Rosco Allan medal but… really? We’re not talking about or taking any notice of accolades for anything against that abysmal Eagles outfit. To be fair, the West Coast fans should have all gotten medals for sitting through and watching that tripe their team served up!

All in all, it was a difficult watch in terms of enthusiasm. However, the overriding positive is we’re 5 and 1 after 6 rounds and sitting second behind the Swans on percentage. That’s something to get excited about.  

Not much more we can say about western derby 62, but whatever can be said, we’ll save it and say it on the pod. So, if you’re ready to throw away another good hour of your life after the hours we all lost yesterday, bring your ears, rulers, marker pens and shovels as we finish up, rule a line through it, dig a hole, burry it and never speak of it again!

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