Dockers Dismal in Defeat

A goalless, seven-point first quarter has given Fremantle a 46-point loss at the hands of premiership contenders Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon. Inaccurate kicking in front of goal cost the visitors yet again, with skipper Nat Fyfe continuing his recent woes while experienced duo Michael Walters and Rory Lobb also missed crucial opportunities to impact the scoreboard. After trailing by thirty-one points at the main break, Fyfe had the chance to get his side back within four goals but failed to make the most of a high flying mark deep inside 50 in the third quarter, where he then elected to go around the corner leading to his eighteenth behind of the season.

However, like all champions do, Fyfe bounced back breaking through multiple defenders to nail his second goal for the match, this time a classy left foot snap at the other end early in the fourth. The Dual Brownlow Medallist could’ve piled on another, if it wasn’t for veteran David Mundy taking advantage of his teammates holding the ball free kick, which he instantly coughed up. Any hopes of a fairy-tale comeback from there were quickly dashed as the Power ran out comfortable winners 18.7 (115) to Fremantle’s 9.15 (69).

West Aussie Sam Powell-Pepper lit it up for the Power on Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous round kicking three goals, while Brennan Cox was no match for Charlie Dixon who also booted three majors. Ollie Wines returned to form amassing 35 disposals and 7 clearances, while the ever-green Travis Boak showed why he’s not slowing down anytime soon collecting the footy 31 times himself.

On the injury front, Port Adelaide’s re-bounding defender Ryan Burton hurt his knee, while luckless Dockers small forward Sam Switkowski went down with a hamstring.

Fremantle only have one win on the road in 2021, coming against fellow South Australian team, Adelaide back in round five by twelve points. The run doesn’t get any easier for the Dockers - their next challenge being the top two placed Western Bulldogs on Sunday, who will be looking to perform well themselves after a disappointing result against the Demons on Friday night.

Coach Justin Longmuir is yet to announce any changes, but injury-prone defender Alex Pearce and tall forward Matt Taberner are expected to be in the frame after both recovering from ankle issues.