West Coast ruckman Bailey Williams is facing one of the toughest tests of his career as he prepares to shoulder an immense burden in the biggest game of the Eagles’ season.

For Williams, western derby 62 will be all about trying to stop Fremantle’s dynamic and different ruck duo that threaten to be one of the biggest differences between the bitter rivals.

The Dockers have arguably the most talented and athletic ruckman in the game, Luke Jackson, whose form has been pivotal to their bright start to the season.

And they will unveil their trump card in former Collingwood cult hero Mason Cox in Sunday’s epic derby clash.

Cox has started the season on the outer at his new club, and the 35-year-old will undoubtedly be determined not to let a chance to prove to coach Justin Longmuir he should be regularly picked ahead of injured No.1 big man Sean Darcy slip by, putting in a big performance.

It all points to a massive day for Williams, who, along with his teammates, went behind closed doors at Optus Stadium on Saturday in their final training session to plot how they climb the ruck version of Mt Everest.

“They’re both quality ruckmen and each of them provides a different look,” Williams said.

“Mason’s a pretty tall guy; he’s going to be difficult to manage in certain respects, and Jackson is super-athletic and covers the ground well.

“It will be nearly completely opposite styles of ruckmen, which will be fun to go up against.”

Fremantle have not been afraid to unleash Jackson as their fourth midfielder, utilising his skills as a weapon not only aerially but at ground level to hurt teams.

Williams said he had to pay respect to the Dockers’ star while at the same time playing to his strengths to be a weapon in his own right.

“It will be a good challenge. Is it negating him? It’s probably 50-50 because I don’t want to compromise too much of my own game,” he said.

“I certainly won’t be running with him or anything like that. I will try to play to my strengths and then at the same time his strengths too.

“I have always enjoyed going up against Luke; he’s a pretty good player, so it should be good.”

The 26-year-old will lead the ruck alongside talented teenager Cooper Duff-Tytler who will step out on the grand stage of a western derby in only his sixth game.

Duff-Tytler and third-year Eagle Archer Reid will form part of a unique three-player ruck rotation against Jackson and Cox.

As the elder statesman, Williams said he had to protect the two young Eagles as best he could, with Cox renowned for his physical approach and competitive nature.

“I will probably shoulder a bit more of that than them two lads and we will go from there. We like to keep it pretty flexible and lean on each other out there,” he said.

“I will be trying to protect them lads, but at the same time, they’ve got strengths that will speak for themselves. They jump at the footy really well.

“Archer’s a couple of years older than Cooper, but they’re both developing their ruck craft, and they will be excited for the challenge as well.

“Each of us will have a different plan. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’re confident going into the weekend.”

Williams’ return from a pre-season groin injury earlier this month came at the expense of experienced ruckman Matt Flynn, who found himself dropped after the 128-point thrashing at the hands of Sydney.

Injury and form have meant that the duo has rarely played alongside one another since Flynn joined the Eagles in late 2023, but Williams said there was room in the side for both of them should the occasion call for it.

“I don’t know how it’s going to play out, but I don’t see why there cannot be a time where we both play at the same time,” he said.

“We both offer different things in terms of our strengths and something that I have enjoyed to do is roll forward as well.

“I’d be more than excited to play alongside Flynny. It was disappointing not to be out there playing alongside him earlier in the year. I am sure there will come a time when we attack teams together, and I am looking forward to it.”