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The Fremantle Dockers finally broke their duck when they won their first game of the season, scoring a massive 79-point win over the Essendon Bombers at Domain Stadium.
RE-LIVE THE MATCH WITH OUR LIVE BLOG
It was more like the Dockers of old rather than the team that has started this season 0-10. The Dockers got off to blistering start, kicking the first four goals of the game in the first 10 minutes.
Led by a dominant midfield and former skipper Matthew Pavlich winding back the clock, the Dockers set the tune in that first quarter.
They extended their lead at every break, their forward pressure all night proved too much for the undermanned Bombers who continually turned the ball over in defence and faced long periods anchored in the Fremantle forward line.
When they did get forward, they lacked purpose and all too often the ball came back far too quickly.
The Bombers’ lack of pressure would have also been a concern for coach John Worsfold, and allowed the Dockers to move the ball with ease.
Numerous times they were able to run the ball from defence to their forward line virtually unhindered.
To their credit the Dockers disposal was as good as it’s been all season as they dominated all over the ground. Thirteen Dockers players had 20 or more possessions and they won the inside 50 count 57-38.
Lachie Neale had a season high 42 possessions and was in everything. He able supported by many of his teammates including Michael Barlow, David Mundy, Tommy Sheridan, Danyle Pearce and Stephen Hill to name a few.
For the Bombers Matthew Leuenberger tried hard all night in the ruck and Zach Merrett and captain Brendon Goddard tried hard.
Ex-Docker Ryan Crowley was given a good reception from the Dockers fans, clapping him whenever he touched the ball and giving him a standing ovation in the last quarter when he came off with a hamstring injury
Overall a dominant perfomance by the Dockers and a great way to bring up their first win of the season. Going by that form, it won’t be their last.
Final score
Fremantle 20.6.126
Essendon 6.11.47
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3: Lachie Neale – 42 touches, 13 contested, 7 clearances and set the scene from the start, having a big hand in opening onslaught.
2: David Mundy – could have given him 3 votes, used the ball well and had 7 inside 50s.
1: Michael Barlow – could hve given this to a handful of players, but not only did Barlow get the ball but he kept Zaharakis quiet all night.
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