An Ed Langdon goal after the siren to give Fremantle a two-point AFL pre-season victory over Collingwood in hot conditions at Mandurah’s Rushton Park.
The ‘Pies were in control leading by 18 points eight minutes into the third quarter before the Dockers got rolling with six consecutive goals to be 15 points up at the last change.
Collingwood responded and appeared set to win after Mason Cox’s third goal with three minutes remaining.
Fremantle had one last forward thrust with Stephen Hill finding Langdon, who drilled the goal from just inside-50. That secured the 1.11.12 (87) to 1.12.4 (85) victory.
The Hill brothers were terrific for Fremantle with Stephen finishing with 29 possessions and former Hawthorn premiership star Bradley 20, along with two goals, including a super goal.
Aaron Sandilands returned for Fremantle and was imposing in the ruck with 15 touches and 20 hit outs while also kicking a goal.
He had a good battle with Brodie Grundy who had 16 disposals and 16 hit outs for Collingwood.
David Mundy had 24 possessions for the Dockers, Cameron Sutcliffe 21, new captain Nat Fyfe 19 and best and fairest winner Lachie Neale 18.
Michael Walters kicked three goals and Jonathon Griffin two. Joel Hamling also impressed in defence.
Jeremy Howe was tremendous down back for Collingwood with 24 possessions and nine marks.
Scott Pendlebury (19 disposals), Taylor Adams (21) and Adam Treloar (16) were all good in their first pre-season appearances for the Magpies.
Both teams were close to full strength with Fremantle’s only absentee who would be in their clear best 22 when fit being 2016 recruit Harley Bennell.
Collingwood, meanwhile, still has Daniel Wells, Jamie Elliott and Ben Reid to return.
Don Freo
Guest
Agree with you on McPharlin. Sandi will have no problem playing all 25 (not only 22) games this year. He has 2 or 3 years ahead of him but if he goes down tomorrow, we lose a big advantage but Griffin is no mug until Clarke is back on the track. If Clarke's knee comes up, he'll be dominant. He is that good when not dealing with this issue. It's why they have put him out...to get it right. Despite all that, watch Sean Darcy. He'll be very enjoyable to watch. Mumford with brains. He lives with the Sandilands, is being mentored by Sandi and has a 98 plus ATAR, attesting to his ability to learn. Johnno will actually be support for Alex Pearce when he is back. Pearce will be even greater at Freo than Johnno has been. Sam Collins is also really strong cover. Then there is strong supporting youth on the way (and one mature ager). We don't need to get them ready. They are already on the scene. Brennan Cox is a future key defender and Ethan Hughes and Luke Ryan can also play that Johnno/Ibbotson role. Matt Uebergang is another who may well be elevated from the rookie list until Pearce comes back.
dave
Guest
Bit worried about Sandi and Johnson.I love them both but they are so critical to Freo If one goes down it hurts us badly.Same thing with Mcpharlin who I think was the most important player in Freo's history. So my question is do we continue with these guys who are absolute guns or we start preparing for life without them.There is one certainty in 2017 and that is Sandi and Johnson will not play 22 games.
Don Freo
Guest
The Pies kicked straight...and soccered a few lucky ones. The Dockers comfortably outplayed them. Sandi is ageless (compare his contested possessions to Grundy's). Apeness is a long way better than Kersten. Hambling was much better at CHB where he can use his pace and rebound than in the last line. Collins must be a tall defender. Stephen Hill for the Brownlow...as long as he plays inside. (Notice I predicted that even before yesterday's game.) Ross indicated yesterday that Brad Hill's outside run would allow Stephen to go inside where he is dynamic.
dave
Guest
Mcarthy's two marks off a lead in the last quarter. Brad Hill. Its only preseason but feeling pretty good right now. Oh and Bennell to come back later in the season.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
You can't deny that it was a really good game, aye! All credit to Collingwood as well, I really liked their competiveness. Any other observations or thoughts, Don?
Don Freo
Guest
These Dockers kids are so polished and very exciting. Its going to be super enjoyable watching the PurplePassion this year.