Image of the crowd at the RAC derby 61. Below the crowd is a yellow digital banner that reads "change your outcome" with the RAC logo.

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RAC Derby 61: footy, fans and a focus on road safety

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Driving change

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On Saturday 26 July, the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles went head-to-head at Optus Stadium for RAC Derby 61. A crowd of 54,384 fans packed the stadium, with an additional 543,755 tuning in via TV broadcast to witness one of WA’s most iconic sporting rivalries. 

As naming rights partner, RAC used this high-profile event to shine a light on the importance of road safety to footy fans. Last year was one of the worst on record for road fatalities, with 188 lives lost on WA roads — the highest number in nearly a decade. RAC is calling on footy fans to slow down behind the wheel. Speeding remains a leading cause of road trauma in WA, and even small increases in driving speed can have a huge impact on the outcome of a crash. 

On game day, the gates opened at 12:45pm, welcoming fans with two exciting RAC activations: the RAC Rescue Experience where fans experienced a road crash rescue mission in 360o degree virtual reality and the RAC’s Hot Shots Challenge where fans got the opportunity to test their road safety knowledge and their handball skills by answering a series of road safety questions and playing handball against a giant inflatable target. Three lucky RAC members also scored exclusive match-day experiences through a member competition, taking part in the coin toss, guard of honour, and match ball delivery. 

Image of the RAC Derby 61 coin toss winner, wearing a purple fremantle dockers jumper and holding the coin in one hand and the red football in the other.

Just before bouncedown, fans were treated to a thrilling flyover by the RAC Rescue helicopter*. During the breaks in play, the RAC Derby Road Safety Quiz was played and delivered with the help of club mascots, adding fun while reinforcing life-saving messages. 

With thousands of fans engaged both in-stadium and at home, RAC Derby proved once again to be a powerful platform for promoting safer driving across Western Australia. 

The Dockers claimed victory on the day and were awarded the RAC Derby trophy by RAC Council President Allan Blagaich. 

Watch RAC Derby favourites from the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles as they demonstrate why faster isn’t always better  RAC Derby | RAC WA 

*The RAC Rescue helicopters are funded by the State Government, managed by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) and sponsored by RAC.