Fremantle’s Ryan Nyhuis has booted four goals on debut to lift the Dockers to a nailbiting four-point AFL win over North Melbourne.
The 20-year-old was outstanding in his first game of AFL football, booting two of his four majors in the final quarter to secure a 13.8 (86) to 12.10 (82) victory at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Todd Goldstein had the chance to win the game for North Melbourne but missed his set shot from 20 metres out directly in front of goal with just 17 seconds remaining.
The veteran Kangaroos ruckman was distraught after the game, with the Roos again found wanting in a tight finish.
After trailing for three and a half quarters, North took the lead with 10 minutes remaining when spearhead Ben Brown booted his fourth major.
Nyhuis cut the margin back to a point with a tough goal under pressure from deep in the forward pocket.
The 2015 rookie draft selection then turned match-winner with a set-shot floater which put the Dockers ahead by six points.
The win over the 17th-placed Roos snaps a five-game losing streak for Fremantle, who climb to 12th on the ladder.
Skipper Nat Fyfe was enormous for the Dockers, finishing with 33 disposals, 12 clearances and a goal.
Michael Walters continued his outstanding season with 20 disposals and three goals, while Connor Blakely was also important.
Key forward Brown (four goals) was a clear standout for North Melbourne along with Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington.
Fremantle went a man down at halftime with Tommy Sheridan succumbing to a hamstring injury.
They were also without former skipper David Mundy, who was a late withdrawal after falling ill.
But it mattered little for the Dockers, who nabbed a brave victory to remain in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
Don Freo
Guest
You obviously didn't see or read Ross' comment. There was no castigation. That has been explained to you. Ballas' admonition of Grey was exactly correct. Grey must let the free happen. Dean Margetts will always reverse a Freo free. Leaders will always do what Ballas did. That's why we need experience. Your arguments are silly. Look at Freo's work this year. A Freo fan would always be excited by what is happening. You are no Freo fan.
Don Freo
Guest
That's because Hodge is no longer competitive at AFL level. He has run his race. Sandi is still the best ruckman in the AFL. Easily this year's AA ruckman until the hammy went. You should watch the Freo games Jon. If you think Ballas is a stay at home forward, you have never seen him play. He covers just as much ground in the Forward line as many midfielders do in a game.
Mark
Guest
I'm fairly certain that is incorrect.
anon
Roar Pro
Of course, it's a rebuild. He had the oldest team in the league in 2015. He had no choice but to bring young players in, but still two years in it's not a rebuild he's taking seriously. They just resigned the geriatric Sandilands. Playing guys like Suban, Ballantyne. Until recently still playing Griffin and Sutcliffee.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
He played pretty well in the WAFL I've heard. Hopefully we'll see him in the seniors again soon!
anon
Roar Pro
Ross Lyon still trying to win premierships in rebuilding year.
Jon boy
Guest
Don please there was no Melbourne eye gouger the game was against ST-KILDA and i did not ever say it was Ballas at Fault I stated that Grey infringed and Ballas pointed the finger and castigated Grey not the right thing to do especially from a undisciplined serial pest I am sure Ross would of handled it is his job Fyfe was there , There is no place for admonishing team mates on the ground then repeat it on TV
Jon boy
Guest
Luke Hodge 33 Far better Footballer and Resume than Sandi 35 has said he is retiring Quote ""I do not want to stand in the way of a youngster on the List:'''' I think the big fella might rethink what is the best and even you people might move on too
Don Freo
Guest
Disallowed because Grey pushed the Melbourne eye gouger. Ballas was standing still with the ball waiting to take his free. Not Ballas error. That's why he admonished Grey. Ballas knows the moments. You need to watch more closely. JonBoy, it seems you make up your mind and hold to the party line despite every fact telling a different story.
Jon boy
Guest
I don;t think any team will be tag teaming Darcy only Two ruckman allowed to compete he will be fine for another 7 games after another pre season he will even better Nobody stays up forward anymore that is why Balic- langdon-Delluca-Grey- Nyhuis should all play before Ballantyne young future and run all day ,If you play him before uncontracted kids guess what
Don Freo
Guest
That one quarter when they played together, Sandi created 2 goals resting forward.
Don Freo
Guest
Without a doubt. Balic will be better...but not yet.
Steve J
Roar Guru
Whats not to love about the competitions all time leading hit out winner and 3 times all Australian behemoth. Darcy was excellent again on the weekend but I long to see them tag team an opposition for a full game. Would be brutal
Steve J
Roar Guru
On what he brings to the team probably. He frees up Sonny to play some blistering football. Grey is already playing and Nyhuis is a different player altogether. Balic and Langdon are ball winners best played up the field. Deluca is probably the only close to goal same-same option for Ballas. I quite liked what he brought in his only game, but Ballas deserves the game time this season. He's still got 2-3 years of good footy in him and no direct heir to his position. Draft Liam Ryan next season and it could be bye bye Ballas.
Jon boy
Guest
TRUE-Point taken,,,,
Jon boy
Guest
EASY- as you have stated before Freo Kicked a goal then disallowed because Ballantyne infringed 50 metres of the ball gave a undisciplined free kick to Tuohy which went directly down the ground untouched by Freo resulting in a goal to the Cats Hence what is called a 12 point Turnaround,, At the time You Blamed the Umpire! As you would be aware Ballantyne has a history of this behavior
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
He also struggled for continuity through much of his time at Freo because of injury, his strongest year in terms of game time was his first (and he was on the rookie list) in 2012 where he got virtually a full season of WAFL/WAFL-ressies. His disposal also needed some work during those years, perhaps suffering because of his injuries, but he also centred a lot of his game around his running ability. He's a bit of a late bloomer as his body settled into itself, possibly with some time away from the AFL regime.
Don Freo
Guest
There is a back down. 18 to 12 points. Still unable to identify those 12 points. Ballas has kicked 5 goals in 3 games. At last some productivity. Terrible in that last game. Terrific in the previous 2.
Jon boy
Guest
Walters WAS playing midfield when Ballantyne was out !
Jon boy
Guest
So what you are saying Ballas Plays before Langdon-Balic-Delluca-Grey-Nyhuis just to name Few ??