RECAP: Chad Warner returns to Perth as Fremantle Dockers host Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium
Fremantle host a desperate Sydney searching for their first win of the season, while the Dockers hope to bounce back from a disappointing season-opening loss.
The Swans are 0-2 after back-to-back home defeats to flag contenders Hawthorn and reigning premiers Brisbane, and won’t want to head into their round three bye winless.
In their first home game for 2025, Fremantle need to make a statement after a 78-point demolition by Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
Star recruit Shai Bolton will make his club debut, while midfielder Neil Erasmus and tall forward Pat Voss have been recalled. Ruckman Liam Reidy and defender Karl Worner have been dropped, while Sam Switkowki (groin) is injured.
Top draftee Murphy Reid will also play his first game at Optus Stadium, after a show-stopping four-goal blitz against the Cats.
For Sydney, all eyes will be on superstar midfielder Chad Warner, as speculation continues over his future.
Follow all the action in our live blog.
INJURY CONCERN
Fremantle defender Brandon Walker has headed straight to the rooms with what appears to be a dislocated shoulder.
He looked in severe discomfort, holding his left arm, which was already heavily strapped) and could barely move.
Walker did not go through the interchange, which indicates he is done for the day.
Josh Draper is warming up boundary-side.
UPDATE: The sub has been activiated.
Big moment
A huge moment for Matthew Johnson, who lays a strong tackle on Chad Warner.
The Swans star tries to give him the don’t argue but the young Docker is not letting go.
The wrestle over the boundary and the crowd beg for holding the ball but it’s not given.
Swans get another
Joel Amartey takes a one-handed grab on Alex Pearce and converts the set shot from about 20 out.
Sydney have two on the trot and the margin is back to 10 points.
The Chad
Chad Warner side-steps Caleb Serong as he surges down the spine of Optus Stadium.
A tidy kick inside 50 lands in the hands of Peter Ladhams, who converts for Sydney’s first of the afternoon.
A bit of brillance from Warner with his fifth touch of the game.
Late to the party
Well... this is awkward.
Sydney players were lined up on the ground before Fremantle had even emerged from the changerooms for the second quarter.
They made it in time for the siren and we’re underway.
QUARTER TIME
Sydney have been held GOALLESS by Fremantle in the opening quarter, as the Dockers lead 4.3 (27) to 0.5 (5) at the first break.
Jake Lloyd has been busy early for the Swans, with a game-high 10 touches while Jaeger O’Meara has nine for the home side.
Fremantle are leading the inside 50 count 18-12, despite Sydney leading the clearances 10-5.
Josh Treacy has two goals, Luke Jackson and Patrick Voss have one each.
The Dockers have gone into the changerooms at Optus Stadium while the Swans are staying out on the field.
Another one!
Patrick Voss kicks his first and Fremantle have the first four goals of the game.
It comes after Neil Erasmus laid a brillant tackle inside 50 and the ball spills free.
Voss mops it up and makes the most of the opporutunity.
Milestone man
Luke Jackson kicks a goal in his milestone 100th game and Fremantle have the opening three majors.
Jackson’s already had five touches, two tackles and two score involvements, on top of five hit-outs.
Could he be set for a huge afternoon?
Treacy’s got two!
Fremantle spearhead Josh Treacy has had a hot start to this game, kicking his second in the first 10 minutes.
He’s also got four disposals, including three contested.
GOAL!
Recalled midfielder Neil Erasmus has been involved in the first goal-scoring chain for Fremantle, getting the handball over-top to Andrew Brayshaw, who kicks inside 50.
Josh Treacy gets goal-side as the ball sails slightly over his head and he does enough to kick the goal.
Fremantle kick the first goal and Coldplay rings around the stadium.
