AFL live updates: Fremantle Dockers take on Melbourne Demons at MCG
Fremantle went down to Melbourne in a thrilling MCG battle as they let the chance to secure the minor premiership slip. Relive all the action.
Fremantle are hoping to make the most of a rare MCG visit with finals fast approaching as the ladder leaders take on a Melbourne team looking to keep their top-four chances alive.
It’s the first time in more than a year the Dockers have taken on a top-half side at the MCG and will be without captain Alex Pearce, who was managed for the clash.
Luke Jackson and Max Gawn will go head to head in what could be the Dockers final visit to the ‘home of footy’ until the last day in September.
Follow all the action live!
That’s where we’ll leave it
That was a genuinely thrilling battle but Fremantle will rue their composure at the end while their defence looked all at sea at times without Alex Pearce.
Thanks for joining us today, until next time goodbye for now!
Justin Longmuir speaks
No hard feeling from Petty
ANALYSIS
On the surface, Fremantle granting Alex Pearce a rest for Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG appeared a risk-averse move. But it might have risked their preparations for a potential grand final berth, writes Josh Kempton.
Gawn targets higher honours after huge win
Match Report
Fremantle’s dreams of sewing up the minor premiership at the MCG have been dashed by a rampant Demons who powered home for a four-point win on their home deck.
Pickett plans?
Longmuir said he had plans in place for the Demons superstar but it was hard to see them, particularly in the first and fourth quarters where he dominated.
Andrew Brayshaw tried to go with him in the third to limited effect but it was abandoned by the fourth.
Our three words
You need a few more than that to sum this one up, but here’s a quick look at every Docker.
Full Time Melbourne 17.11 (113) Fremantle 17.7 (109)
WHAT A GAME!
Fremantle had one last roll of the dice but they fumbled the marks and Fristch took a late mark though it was surely out of bounds.
Controversial but would not have made a difference as the time was up.
Dees are in front!
Demons win the centre clearance and Brennan Cox holds on to Petty to give away the free but Fritsch takes the advantage to snap his second goal and Melbourne have the lead!
