RECAP: Fremantle Dockers win crucial clash against Adelaide Crows
Fremantle are out for redemption after a shock defeat at the hands of Melbourne last week.
However, their defensive frailties will be put to the ultimate test by the Crows who boast Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe and Izak Rankine.
Can Fremantle return to winning ways or will Adelaide spoil the party?
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Get the physio!
Nick Murray of the Crows has had his knee strapped and is going through a quick fitness test while Josh Draper has his elbow taped up for Fremantle.
The Freo defender hurt the joint in a marking contest.
FRE 50, ADE 20
Ill discipline
The Crows are getting frustated in defence with Treacy being so tough to stop.
He left his direct opponent on the floor and as he was steaming for the contest he was bumped to the ground so he couldn’t jump, earning a free kick.
Amiss also got a free kick to open the quarter with a goal.
Adelaide need to respond and are doing themsleves no favours by giving away 15 free kicks already.
FRE 50, ADE 14
Best of the season
That was the Dockers’ best opening term of the season with 6.2 (38).
The Crows have a small concern with Rankine nursing a sore shoulder.
QUARTER TIME: Fremantle 38, Adelaide 13
The Dockers have come out of the blocks with incredible intensity and the Crows have felt the pinch.
Treacy is just massive in the forward line and it looks like Amiss has adjusted to being the No.2 man and is getting out of the way and finding dangerous space elsewhere.
McDonald jumped on the score sheet with under a minute remaining while Young booted one after the quarter-time siren to extend the lead to 25 points; which feels like good reward for Fremantles’ efforts.
Young has 10 disposals to go with his goal and looks like one who has taken Longmuir’s messages to heart this week.
Bolton has also made a fast start with eight disposals and the Dockers’ second major.
Outrageous!
How does Rankine do it!
FRE 25, ADE 13
Pressure, pressure, pressure
Justin Longmuir put his charges on notice this week about team defence and applying pressure at the contest.
And they have responded emphatically.
The Crows can’t get anywhere with run and handball, forcing them into unhelpful dump kicks.
WA Crow Dan Curtin looked to be about to get a shot at goal but was run down brilliantly by two Dockers.
The home side then go coast-to-coast with slick handballs from Dudley and Brayshaw and find Amiss all alone in the goal square for his side’s third goal.
FRE 24, ADE 7
Perfect tribute
Adelaide’s jumpers are looking elite tonight.
The yellow fades into orange from top to bottom with blue lines running through the centre to help silhouette an image of a soldier playing the Last Post.
It provides a great contrast to the Dockers in deep purple.
FRE 12, ADE 6
Treacy monster!
The Dockers have the first through an incredible roost from Treacy.
The Crows went forward first but Pearce rescued the Dockers with two huge efforts.
They slowly moved the ball up field and eventually Treacy recieved a handball just outside the attacking 50 and sunk his big right boot through the ball, which sailed through for the major.
He gave the fans a massive fist pump and roar.
FRE 6, ADE 0
Redemption time
It’s now or never for the Dockers as the ball is bounced!
Darcy, Serong, Young and Brayshaw start in the middle while Pearce takes Walker.
Cox is on Thilthorpe.
Ceremony complete
The Dockers and Crows came together for a moving Anzac ceremony, linking up with the armed forces members who did a lap of honour.
But both sides are now ready for the contest.
