The East Fremantle Sharks have sent a clear message to the WAFL competition, defeating the West Coast Eagles by 27 points in the opening round of the 2026 season. The match, played at a sun-drenched Fremantle Oval, saw the Sharks dominate from the outset, with a thrilling performance that left the Eagles shell-shocked.
Starcevich Returns
All eyes were on Brandon Starcevich, who played his first minutes of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury. The key forward, who crossed from the Brisbane Lions in the off-season, was managed carefully, spending limited time on the ground but still managing to have an impact. Starcevich finished with one goal and several strong marks, showing glimpses of the form that made him a prized recruit for East Fremantle.
Match Summary
The Sharks started strongly, kicking four goals in the first quarter to establish a 19-point lead at the first break. The Eagles fought back in the second term, but East Fremantle's midfield dominance, led by Liam Henry and Jye Bolton, ensured they maintained control. By three-quarter time, the Sharks had stretched their lead to 32 points, and while the Eagles rallied late, the result was never in doubt.
- East Fremantle: 13.8 (86) def. West Coast: 9.5 (59)
- Best Players: Liam Henry (EF), Jye Bolton (EF), Brandon Starcevich (EF), Luke Edwards (WC)
- Goals: Starcevich 1, others for EF; Edwards 2 for WC
Implications for the Season
The victory sends a strong statement from East Fremantle, who are widely tipped to be contenders for the premiership. For the Eagles, it's a wake-up call as they look to integrate several young players into their lineup. The WAFL season is long, but early results can set the tone for the months ahead.
Brandon Starcevich's return is a major positive for the Sharks, and fans will be eager to see him play more minutes in the coming weeks. The team's depth and cohesion were on full display, suggesting they could be the team to beat in 2026.
