Fremantle have defeated Essendon by 37 points in the final game of Round 7, but that margin was certainly not representative of the entire game.
The Bombers dominated the first quarter, at least initially. They started the much more confident, ‘on point’ team, and were able to play the first half of the term largely in their first half.
They punished Fremantle for some poor mistakes. Fremantle, to their credit, were able to claw back a bit of ground, and were able to reverse what was the Bombers’ ability to trap the opposition in their defensive half, disallowing Essendon opportunities to move into attack.
Neither team, though, was able to make the most of their periods of dominance, with Essendon not making the most of their extended periods of attack, and Fremantle unable to convert several simple set-shots.
The second quarter was much the same, with Essendon completely dominated a Fremantle side that looked uncertain, hesitant and inaccurate.
Essendon, for the first two-thirds of the term, were running harder, making the most of their chances, and, importantly, were much, much cleaner by hand and foot.
Fremantle’s defensive work during this period was disappointing, and they were often unable to advance play beyond their defensive half.
The Bombers looked likely to run out with a large margin come half time, but Fremantle suddenly clicked into gear.
They weren’t brilliant, still, but they were more competitive, booting two goals and having nine of the final ten inside 50s.
Fremantle were able to continue their momentum into the third quarter, and while not being able to grab the lead, they were at the very least able to reduce their deficit to two points come the final break.
Goal for goal initially, the third quarter was one where Fremantle were able to play the quarter largely in their attacking half, and although Essendon were able to smartly punish Fremantle with a few goals through their limited opportunities, Fremantle looked arguably the better team heading into the final quarter.
They soon overtook the Dons within minutes of the final stanza, courtesy of goals from Cam McCarthy and Matt Taberner. Try as they might, Essendon were just unable to restore a lead, and Fremantle booted five more goals before the final siren blew.
Essendon were very well served by Zach Merrett (28 disposals, 7 tackles and a goal), Brendon Goodard (25 touches, 5 tackles) and Michael Hurley (24 disposals in an admirable performance off half-back).
Fantasia and Francis had their moments but were inaccurate (2 and 3 behinds respectively) while Cale Hooker and Joe Daniher (2 and 3 goals respectively) had lively performances in the forward line.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti provided plenty of run at times, while Matthew Luenburger was well beaten by Aaron Sandilands in the ruck.
Lachie Neale (40 touches and 1.1) and Bradley Hill (37 touches, 16 marks, 1 goal and 874 metres gained) were brilliant for Fremantle, and could pick up some Brownlow votes.
Matt Taberner’s return to the senior team was brilliant, with four goals, while Walters had a blistering second half.
Fremantle travel to Melbourne to face the Tigers next weekend, while Essendon face a Geelong side eager to revive themselves after two straight losses.
Final score
Fremantle Dockers 17.14.116
Essendon Bombers 11.13.79
Aransan
Guest
Don, the reality is that the returning players were on individual modified programs in the last pre-season as their fitness bases had dropped off even though they had trained through the year. The staff in charge of fitness had no precedent to go on given their unique circumstances. Well done Fremantle, I hope Lyon continues with the development of their young players. I have lived through the first premierships of Hawthorn, St Kilda and North Melbourne and I wasn't following footy when Footscray won their first. It was good to see Brisbane (Fitzroy), the Swans (South Melbourne), and the Bulldogs (Footscray) win premierships after long droughts and I look forward to seeing Fremantle win their first premiership so long as it is not at the expense of Essendon.
Don Freo
Guest
No...just saying that is not a valid excuse because Freo had just as many out that didn't play last year. I'd argue that fit Essendon players (the banned ones) who could train all year should have a better fitness platform than a man who had a broken leg, another who couldn't train because of a broken hand, another who couldn't do anything because of a punctured lung and broken ribs and another whose hammy was torn off the bone. McCarthy never played any footy.
Aransan
Guest
Their pre-season was compromised, they were allowed back to the club under strict conditions. Although the players you mention may have had restricted seasons they did have pre-seasons apart from McCarthy. Did McCarthy play in a lesser competition or was he just allowed to train with a lesser club? We are not trying to take anything away from Fremantle, just trying to understand why some of the Essendon players are playing as they have been. Watson would be very fit but it seems that these players have lost something in terms of their body contact fitness within endurance. No doubt there is a psychological aspect as well for some players. Essendon had a moral responsibility to take back all these 10 players and they have to give them reasonable opportunities to demonstrate whether they can still perform at AFL level. It must be difficult to rate them against their other players but some of these returning players will not be on Essendon's list next year.
Don Freo
Guest
Did they not have a pre-season this year? Remember Sandilands, Fyfe, Johnson, Balic, Ibbotson*, Hughes* (*over half a season) and McCarthy didn't play last season either.
Aransan
Guest
Yes, it seems that the key position players don't require the same endurance. Aaron Francis has effectively only had one pre-season and they have had trouble building up his endurance. In the past a 193cm/90+kg player would have been thought of as more of a KPP but these days they try to develop them into more of a mid-fielder like Patrick Cripps or Bontempelli. Forwards are now expected to run more than in the past and there has been less emphasis on the power forward, so even key forwards have to develop as mid-fielders to some extent. Francis is a great talent and I hope Essendon develop him appropriately.
Rissole
Guest
A fair chunk of the Essendon midfield has only had 1 pre-season in the last three years (they sat out 2015 and missed 2016). Heppell, Watson, Myers, Colyer & Stanton are all underdone and lost substantial fitness base. It is definitely showing now, especially now that the game is arguably faster and with less interchanges. Hasn't seemed to hit Hooker/Hurley as hard in the key position posts though. Less running. You could see from the middle of the 2nd quarter that Freo were going to overrun Essendon. Essendon played likely they were trying to protect a lead rather than score. Once that lead vanished they collapsed in on themselves.
Aransan
Guest
Seano, the most important thing for Essendon this year is to identify and develop their young talent and to determine who to move on at the end of the season. Morgan, Redman and Jake Long must be given a chance if they prove themselves in the VFL, I would like to see Begley, Ridley, Mutch and Clarke given games when they have earned them. Will Langford and Laverde, when fit, step up to the next level? This can only be done with rotating selections, but winning games or being as competitive as possible for as long as possible in games is important in the development of the younger players.
Aransan
Guest
You can have Danniher, whoever he is, but we will keep Joe.
13th man
Guest
Yeah you were better than us in the first half but didn't put us away. I thought we might run over the top just because of the tough schedule and the fact Freo hasn't been out of the state in 3 weeks.
Steve J
Roar Guru
Trade you Mundy for Danniher?
Seano
Roar Rookie
You guys deserved the Win, our side needs the bye. We can't run out games at the moment and we keep changing the side week to week. Freo looked pretty good for mine, I always forget how good Mundy is, he just does the stuff that needs to be done! If he wants to be captain again he is welcome at Windy Hill.