Fremantle’s Resilient Victory Over Western Bulldogs
Fremantle managed to secure a thrilling 12-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium, despite a strong comeback from the Bulldogs. The Dockers maintained their lead and eventually won with a score of 17.12 (114) to 15.12 (102), marking their seventh consecutive victory—this being their best winning streak since they claimed the minor premiership in 2015.
Leading by 28 points just 12 minutes into the final term, the Dockers’ advantage was nearly erased as the Bulldogs scored four goals in quick succession. However, a crucial moment came when Luke Jackson made a desperate tackle on Marcus Bontempelli with two minutes remaining. This play opened up an opportunity for Shai Bolton to kick the match-winning goal, sealing the victory for Fremantle.
The Dockers faced a tough challenge from the Bulldogs, but they managed to overcome it. After receiving a quarter-time dressing down from coach Justin Longmuir when they were 26 points behind, the team rallied and the Bulldogs began to wilt. Two remarkable goals from Hayden Young late in the third quarter helped Fremantle take the lead for the first time before the final break. Young then added another goal early in the final quarter that could be considered a goal of the year contender, showcasing the Dockers’ unstoppable midfield momentum.
Young’s performance marked his 13th game in the last two seasons, after being sidelined due to hamstring injuries. “We’re probably in a stage now where we don’t have to rely on one or two players, and sometimes it’s one player who steps up and has their moments,” Longmuir said. “We’re sharing the load well, but he got some opportunities and finished off his work. When he gets on a tear like that, you see what he is capable of.”
Fremantle had a strong showing in the second half, scoring six consecutive goals either side of three-quarter time. The Dockers seemed to be in control when Andrew Brayshaw kicked a goal that put them 28 points ahead. However, there was an unexpected moment during the celebrations when Brayshaw accidentally hit teammate Josh Treacy in the eye.
Despite Bontempelli’s efforts, finishing with a game-high 33 disposals and two goals, the Bulldogs struggled to make a significant impact. Bontempelli had been dealing with a knee issue for the past three weeks. In the first quarter, Fremantle’s midfield was exposed as Bontempelli, Ed Richards, and returning ruckman Tim English caused chaos. However, Luke Jackson, Shai Bolton (30 possessions, nine clearances), and Brayshaw stepped up to help Fremantle regain control.
Fremantle is already dealing with several injuries, with fringe forward Laitham Vandermeer suffering a hamstring strain in his first AFL appearance of the season. The Bulldogs, after starting the season with four straight wins—including a win over reigning premiers Brisbane at the Gabba—have now lost four matches in a row.
“Regardless of who is in or out of the team, our purpose is to instill belief in the 23 players who are on the field,” Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said. “I stand in front of them and talk to them, and they know I really believe in them. There’s no other way to be.”
In positive news for the Bulldogs, star forward Aaron Naughton kicked two first-half goals following a frightening fall on his head in last week’s loss against Sydney.
Fremantle will return home to Perth on Saturday morning, preparing for a high-stakes Thursday night clash against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium.
