Fremantle bullied the defending premiers. Their hot streak shows no sign of slowing

Welcome to the Western Watercooler, where we digest the talking points from the weekend’s games – and the highlights, frustrations and silver linings WA footy fans can cling to as the season progresses.

The Dockers bullied two-time defending premiers Brisbane to solidify themselves as premiership favourites.

They couldn’t have been more impressive on their way to an 11th straight win, making the Lions look second rate.

Meanwhile, the Eagles capitalised on what’s been a strong month of football, securing their second win in that period with a comprehensive five-goal victory over the Bombers.

West Coast were far superior in the wet and wild conditions, blowing away Essendon with minimal fuss.

What went right? The Dockers showed their attack can get you many ways, possessing a forward line with multiple threats and are currently the ball tall three-pronged trio in the game.

Jye Amiss and Pat Voss kicked four goals while Josh Treacy bagged three. They outclassed Harris Andrews and Darcy Gardiner, booting 11.8 as a trio.

They complement each other so well, rarely get in each other’s way and are only really just beginning their partnership considering Treacy is 23, with Amiss and Voss both 22.

It’s a scary prospect for opposition defences, especially when you add in the likes of Sam Switkowski, Michael Frederick, Isaiah Dudley, Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid getting to work at ground level.

Cox has yet again been crucial in helping form the stingiest defence in the league.

A right knee complaint forced him from the field in the opening half, and he didn’t return, with the club taking a no-risk approach with him.

The severity of Johnson’s hamstring setback will become clearer in the coming days.

He’s becoming more significant by the week and performed a very effective shutdown role on dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale.

Silver lining? Fremantle’s record-winning streak shows no signs of slowing with significant star power to return.

Hayden Young (concussion) is expected to face the Kangaroos for their home-away-from-home clash in Bunbury.

Vice-captain Caleb Serong (calf) is a chance to join him, while Sean Darcy (concussion and calf) got through his return at WAFL and could also press his case.

Justin Longmuir has a luxury of riches at his disposal, proving the envy of nearly every other rival coach.

The Eagles were raging favourites to claim victory over an Essendon outfit who had just sacked Brad Scott and were a shambles after winning just one of their past 24 games.

But the last time West Coast were expected to win, they came up short agains