Fremantle have produced a stirring away victory over Gold Coast in Queensland to continue their mid-season resurgence and head to the mid-season bye on the back of three wins in a row.

The Dockers showed their mettle in driving rain to absorb several challenges from the Suns and then lift when the game was on the line to win 11.9 (75) to 9.10 (64)

It was a day where Luke Jackson showed he can play as a genuine midfielder when Sean Darcy was in the ruck, Shai Bolton’s skill in difficult conditions stood out, Pat Voss’s strength was crucial, Andrew Brayshaw was courageous and Jordan Clark was sublime in defence.

The Dockers trailed by one point during time-on in the third quarter, broke clear to lead by 20 points during the last quarter and then Sam Flanders kicked two goals in three minutes to turn the game on its head.

But Brayshaw was incredible in the last 90 seconds and the Dockers sealed victory following an Amiss goal with less than 30 seconds to play

The win came just two weeks after the Dockers beat GWS at ENGIE Stadium and gives them a 7-5 record after they started the year 0-2.

The Dockers hit Gold Coast with everything early. Their tackling was fierce, their pressure was enormous and the Suns couldn’t handle that intensity.

Fremantle had 20 inside 50s to Gold Coast’s eight for the term and the visitors turned that into a 20-point lead at quarter time.

But it wasn’t just the amount of inside 50s that gave Fremantle the edge, it was their tackling inside 50 which set them apart. Voss was brutal with his attack on the ball and he kicked two goals for the term.

The Dockers used Jackson as a midfielder when he wasn’t playing in the ruck and Gold Coast struggled to stop him. Jackson’s big body and ability to create chaos in congestion was significant.

But Gold Coast played with more composure during the second quarter and the Dockers weren’t able to force them into as many mistakes.

Ben Long kicked an early goal, Leo Lombard followed with another and when Ben King booted the Suns’ third in a row, they trailed by only one point.

The rain which fell heavily earlier in the day started sprinkling and it was obvious the game was going to turn into a tough scrap.

Fremantle needed a goal to steady themselves and they turned to their playmakers. Caleb Serong received a push in the back while running inside 50 and his pass to Bolton from the free kick forced the Suns to chop his arms.

Bolton made no mistake with that set shot and the Dockers had breathing room at half-time thanks to a six-point lead.

But the Suns big names were starting to influence the contest. Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Touk Miller combined for 24 disposals and eight clearances for the quarter.

The weather deteriorated as the teams resumed after half-time and it became a genuine slog.

The Suns levelled the scores with a goal to Jed Walter from a costly free kick and then Fremantle had the chance to instantly reply, but Bolton missed his running shot from the centre bounce.

It was crucial that players seized little moments. Touk Miller and Ben Long both missed when they had chances and then Ben King kicked a set shot out of bounds on the full. Little things become big things when goals are like diamonds.

That became really clear when Corey Wagner won a crucial contest at half-forward and got the ball inside 50 midway through the quarter. Sam Switkowski lost his balance but somehow stayed on his feet, handballed to Brayshaw and he slammed the ball through under pressure.

But then Gold Coast turned a half chance into a goal when Ben Ainsworth’s shot fell short and the Dockers failed to rush the behind. Flanders soccered the ball through from one metre out and now the home team was in front.

But Fremantle refused to let that disappointment get them down. Bolton charged forward from the centre clearance again and this time he nailed his chance on the run.

The rain stopped which gave players some respite but the ball remained slipper. Brayden Fiorini missed John Noble with a handball attempt and the Dockers made him pay.

Josh Treacy got the ball to Voss, he kicked his third goal and Fremantle took a 13-point lead into the final term.

It was tough and tense as the Dockers subbed Nat Fyfe into the game knowing how valuable his big body and experience would be in the conditions.

Treacy dropped a juggling mark at one end, Walter did the same thing down the other. Fyfe got busy and the Dockers kept creating chances.

Michael Frederick and Amiss both missed their opportunities but when Bolton took a mark inside 50, you just knew he’d find a way to kick accurately. He nailed the set shot and Fremantle led by 20 points.

There was always going to be a twist to the tale as Gold Coast challenged but the Dockers stood tall.