Fremantle has answered every question about its premiership credentials, producing a stunning second-half comeback to overpower Sydney by 38 points in what many viewed as a potential Grand Final preview.
Just six days after having its 14-game winning streak snapped by Greater Western Sydney, the Dockers responded in emphatic fashion, overturning a 22-point halftime deficit to storm home 15.21 (111) to 10.13 (73) at Optus Stadium.
For three quarters, it looked as though Sydney was about to deliver another statement victory away from home.
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The Swans dominated territory early, restricting Fremantle to an astonishing 0.11 in the opening half despite the Dockers generating 25 forward entries. Yet they failed to fully capitalise, taking only a 22-point advantage into the main break.
That proved costly.
Justin Longmuir’s side emerged after halftime looking like a completely different team.
Jordan Clark finally broke the Dockers’ goal drought early in the third quarter before Josh Treacy took control inside 50. Fremantle’s relentless pressure, midfield dominance and cleaner ball movement completely flipped the contest as the home side piled on 15 goals after halftime to run away with one of its biggest wins of the season.
Treacy finished with four goals, while Caleb Serong again led the midfield with another outstanding performance. Luke Jackson also lifted dramatically after halftime, winning crucial clearances as Fremantle wrestled control away from Brodie Grundy after the Sydney ruckman had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges.
Sydney had its moments.
Tom Papley made an immediate impact in his return from injury, kicking the opening goal within minutes before adding another in the second quarter. Errol Gulden continued his impressive return from a shoulder reconstruction with a game-high 30 disposals, while Charlie Curnow kept his Coleman Medal campaign on track with five goals.
But when the game was there to be won, Fremantle simply had too many answers.
The Dockers kicked eight of the final 11 goals to turn a tight contest into a convincing victory, reminding the competition why they have spent much of the season sitting atop the AFL ladder.
The result also answered an important question.
Following last week’s disappointing loss to the Giants, some wondered whether Fremantle’s remarkable winning run had masked lingering flaws against fellow premiership contenders.
Thursday night’s performance suggested otherwise.
Recovering from a goalless first half against one of the AFL’s best teams required composure, resilience and belief—qualities every premiership side needs in September.
For Sydney, there may be greater cause for concern.
The Swans have now again fallen short against one of the competition’s genuine heavyweights away from home, adding to previous losses on the road against other top-eight sides this season. While Dean Cox’s side remains firmly in premiership contention, questions about its ability to beat fellow contenders outside Sydney will continue until proven otherwise.
As for Fremantle, the message was loud and clear.
If there were any lingering doubts about whether the Dockers belong among the AFL’s genuine premiership favourites, they may have been answered on Thursday night.
Because championship teams don’t just win.
They respond.
And Fremantle’s response could prove to be one of the defining moments of its season.
