A thrilling game in the end. The first half was incredibly tight but the Dockers gained a massive advantage in the third term kicking six straight goals.
It was enough to get them the win in the end, though the Power piled on the last five goals of the game to shorten the margin to just eight points.
So the Dockers will likely finish in fourth, or possibly third, with a qualifying final against either Sydney or Hawthorn away from home looming.
Port on the other hand will host one of Richmond, West Coast or Adelaide at home.
Lachie Neale was productive for the Dockers with 34 touches, but Hayden Ballantyne was a match-winner contributing four goals in Fremantle’s dominant second half. Michael Walters added three majors of his own.
Jay Schulz kicked a big bag of six goals in the loss, while Brownlow contender Robbier Gray had 33 touches and kicked two late goals.
FINAL SCORE:
Fremantle 16.9 (105)
Port Adelaide 14.13 (97)
A top four spot is the prize for the winner when the Fremantle Dockers host the Port Adelaide Power at Patersons Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:10pm (AEST).
The Dockers have done everything needed of them in the past fortnight, scoring a surprising win against the Hawks and a regulation victory over Brisbane last week.
They’ve lost only a single game at home this year and that was to North Melbourne back in Round 6.
CATCH UP ON THE LATEST AFL HIGHLIGHTS
The Power suffered a form collapse in the second half of the year but look to have rediscovered their groove and were dominant last Friday night against Carlton, blasting the Blues by 103 points.
Port broke a streak of six straight losses to the Dockers with a win earlier this year, beating a depleted Fremantle side by 18 points at home in Round 8. However, they haven’t managed to beat Fremantle in Perth since 2008.
The Dockers have two big ins with Matthew Pavlich and Michael Barlow both returning to the side after missing the win against Brisbane through injury.
Matt De Boer and Garrick Ibbotson have been omitted.
The Power have made only one change, bringing back Jarman Impey and dropping Cameron O’Shea.
This should be a cracker of a game because the equation for both sides is quite simple – win and get into the top four with a double chance, or lose and be forced to play an elimination final in order to stay alive in September.
Both sides have been aiming to put their hands up as premiership contenders all year long, and this is their best chance to do it.
Prediction:
It’s a tight call as both team are capable if they bring their best football. The absence of Nathan Fyfe might hurt them but I’ll still tip Fremantle to get the job done at home.
Fremantle by 12 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:10 PM (AEST).
joe b
Guest
Port host Richmond.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Nice one boys!
Don Freo
Guest
Anyone who calls the Purple Power Eaters home is ok by me!
Josh
Expert
First week of finals is looking like a cracker. Thanks to all who joined me for this game! Covering North Melbourne v Melbourne later tonight, hope you'll all join me for that as well.
Josh
Expert
A thrilling game in the end. The first half was incredibly tight but the Dockers gained a massive advantage in the third term kicking six straight goals. It was enough to get them the win in the end, though the Power piled on the last five goals of the game to shorten the margin to just eight points. So the Dockers will likely finish in fourth, or possibly third, with a qualifying final against either Sydney or Hawthorn away from home looming. Port on the other hand will host one of Richmond, West Coast or Adelaide at home. Lachie Neale was productive for the Dockers with 34 touches, but Hayden Ballantyne was a match-winner contributing four goals in Fremantle's dominant second half. Michael Walters added three majors of his own. Jay Schulz kicked a big bag of six goals in the loss, while Brownlow contender Robbier Gray had 33 touches and kicked two late goals.
Josh
Expert
Best of luck in the final next week. I'll be travelling to Melbourne for the inevitable North v Essendon game, can't wait.
Josh
Expert
Ha ha thanks mate! Always great to have you and all the rest along for the comments.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Thanks for the call Josh. I always enjoy your games. The others wont like me for this but i think you are the best at the game calls.
Axle an the guru
Guest
If you say so Rad it was not on TV in qld so i didnt see it
Radelaide
Guest
Gray's 2 hurt, some of the others were from tough angles
Axle an the guru
Guest
Wasted opportunities early hurt PA. You carnt afford to miss shots.
Josh
Expert
So the Dockers finish in fourth, possibly third if the Cats drop a match to Brisbane tonight. The Power will finish fifth unless North Melbourne win by 300-ish points tonight.
Radelaide
Guest
Well that was edge of the seat stuff but certainly Joel that Dawson is a sneeky one.
Josh
Expert
FULL TIME Justin Westhoff marks on the siren and kicks a meaningless point with the game over. Dockers win! FREMANTLE 16.9.105 PORT ADELAIDE 14.13.97
Josh
Expert
They're paid to do so!
Josh
Expert
GOAL PORT ADELAIDE 0:33 REMAINING Jay Schulz slots his sixth, but it's going to be too late. Port would need two goals in thirty seconds. FREMANTLE 16.9.105 PORT ADELAIDE 14.12.96
Radelaide
Guest
Commentators are talking like it's still possible
Axle an the guru
Guest
When teams kick back and forth to waste time the ump should call play on that would stop this running the clock down rubbish
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
And another one. Dawson only plays the man in a marking contest letting Spurr come through to take the mark. This is ridiculous.
Josh
Expert
90 seconds, it's too late. Dockers will win barring something miraculous. FREMANTLE 16.9.105 PORT ADELAIDE 13.12.90