Lance Franklin was given the farewell he deserved as a extra bodily Sydney outmuscled Fremantle by 29 factors at Optus Stadium.
In what was doubtless his final look as an AFL participant in his residence state, Franklin kicked three targets so as to add to eight, six and one-goal hauls in his different appearances at WA’s new residence of soccer.
If it wasn’t already, the loss consigned the Dockers’ season to the scrap heap.
At instances they performed million-dollar soccer, teasing their followers with what may very well be, however they left the sport paupers.
Franklin didn’t get on the board til simply earlier than half-time after being well-guarded by Alex Pearce, however grew into the sport and acquired the higher of the Dockers’ captain by the ultimate siren.
In the absence of Sean Darcy, Luke Jackson stepped up within the ruck, successful 43 hitouts, to go together with 14 disposals.
It gave Fremantle’s premier midfielders the chance nevertheless it wasn’t translated into inside 50s because the Dockers wilted within the first half below Sydney’s intense bodily strain.
Sydney’s midfielders, led by Luke Parker (31 possessions, eight clearances), had been steadier and extra composed with the ball in hand.
Caleb Serong wore not one of the blame for the loss, gathering 31 possessions and 10 clearances.
Fremantle challenged after half-time with Lachie Schultz’s 4 targets the important thing piece, however Jye Amiss was nicely lined by veteran Sydney defender Dane Rampe and completed with 1.1.
Fremantle signalled its intent from the primary bounce, shifting the ball in faster and extra direct vogue inside 50.
But faster didn’t imply slicker with a lot of their forays ahead ailing directed.
The Swans owned territory, with 16 to 6 inside 50s, and shot out to a 31-point lead earlier than Sam Switkowski kicked a steadier simply earlier than quarter-time.
But in what has turn out to be a recurring theme in 2023, the Dockers surrendered the opening time period, ths one by 25 factors.
When Errol Gulden goaled from 20m unattended out the entrance of a stoppage early within the second time period, it appeared ominous.
The Dockers had been successful their share of ball, with Serong’s eight clearances from 16 possessions telling, whereas Andrew Brayshaw matched him for disposals, and Liam Henry supplied a spark from a wing.
But every time the Dockers threatened to discover a means into the sport, the Swans answered.
By half-time Fremantle had solely 17 inside 50s, a season low to half-time, to Sydney’s 28, and trailed by 34 factors. They weren’t out of it, however not in it both.
The Dockers lowered the margin to 22 factors once they emerged after the half-time break energised and kicked the opening two targets via Schultz and Michael Walters, earlier than Franklin kicked his second from a free kick, drilled a cross to Tom Papley for one more, after which kicked his third from a contested mark.
Fremantle performed its greatest soccer within the third time period when it started successful floor ball and utilizing the centre hall, with Hayden Young the conduit via the center.
They doubled their inside 50s in 1 / 4, from 17 to 34, however for all their laborious work, they received the quarter by simply 5 factors.
Ethan Stanley, who the Dockers picked up within the mid-season draft, made his debut because the sub, changing Matt Johnson on a wing for the beginning of the final quarter and completed with 5 possessions.
Best gamers:
Fremantle: Serong, Brayshaw, Jackson, Schultz, Henry, O’Meara.
Sydney: Parker, Rampe, Mills, Franklin, Hayward, Rowbottom.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
