RECAP: Nat Fyfe, Sean Darcy return as Fremantle Dockers face Gold Coast Suns test
Fremantle veteran Nat Fyfe played his first game of the season against Gold Coast on Saturday, as ruckman Sean Darcy also returned to the side.
The Dockers made three changes with defender Josh Draper replacing captain Alex Pearce, who is out with a leg injury. Cooper Simpson (shoulder) and Isaiah Dudley (personal reasons) also missed the clash at People First Stadium.
The Suns were red-hot, coming off three consecutive wins and an impressive 8-2 record as the club firms for a maiden finals appearance, but could not stand up to the Dockers.
Fremantle had also bounced back from an inconsistent start with strong victories over Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide over the past fortnight to sit 6-5.
Top-10 pick Leo Lombard also made his debut for Gold Coast, with Malcolm Rosas and Ethan Read omitted.
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THREE-QUARTER TIME: Gold Coast 49, Fremantle 62
The Suns had most of the running in that term but the Dockers were able to take some punches and counter late to take a handy lead into the last term.
The visitors have an injury concern with Worner getting work on his right hamstring but they are about to activate Fyfe regardless.
Anderson already has 30 touches for the Suns but Brayshaw and Serong are the next best ball winners.
Voss’ size and strength are also coming in handy in the wet, the big fella having booted three goals so far.
The Dockers’ disposals efficiency is at 72 per cent which has held them in good stead.
Pure class!
Small defensive lapses are creeping up on the Dockers as the Suns took the lead but Bolton was having none of it.
Fremantle won the clearance but it was scrappy so the goal sneak held himself back and moved a little wider to open up space.
However, once his side had the ball he unleashed his run, taking the handball recieve and slotting a big goal.
Also, Fyfe is warming up on the bench!
GCS 49, FRE 54
Battle scars
Former Docker Sam Collins doing his best Viking impersonation out there.
Darcy sub?
Sean Darcy has had just one touch in his return from injury and it came in the first term.
He has 19 hitouts and three tackles though.
Meanwhile, Fyfe is still in the warm jacket on the bench.
GCS 43, FRE 42
When it rains, it pours
The rain is bucketing down now and this game is going to become a slog.
On the bright side, their is only a point in the contest which should provide plenty of drama down the stretch!
GCS 43, FRE 42
Level scores
Walter brings the game back to even with a strong kick from 40.
The Suns have forced multiple turnovers to start the half and are turning the screws on the Dockers.
GCS 41, FRE 41
HALFTIME: Gold Coast 35, Fremantle 41
The Suns have responded in the second term and turned the match into a grind.
The key; stopping Jackson.
The man dubbed the Unicorn had just one metre gained from two disposals in the second quarter after ripping up the first.
Anderson and Rowell are also going to work in the grind and have pulled their side back into the contest.
Longmuir will be upset by the Dockers’ use going inside 50.
They have had 32 entries to the Suns’ 21 but have just one more scoring shot.
Fremantle need to lower their eyes in the second half.
Serong leads the Dockers’ ball winners with 15 alongside Brayshaw.
One for Mum
Suns debutant Leo Lombard has revved up the fans with his first AFL goal.
And he gave his Mum a wave and tribute as he ran to the bench to a Freddie Mercury song.
The goal was the second of three for Gold Coast in this quarter that has reduced the margin to one point with Fremantle goalless.
GCS 33, FRE 34
Rowell on report
Matt Rowell has been reported for striking Neil Erasmus.
The pair were off the ball and Rowell threw a chipping fingers into the Dockers’ jaw.
The umpire was right there and put his name in the book.
He will likely carry a fine but it didn’t land with a lot of force.
GCS 21, FRE 34
