Fremantle have achieved a perfect 10, with the Dockers breaking the club record for the most consecutive victories on a memorable night at home against St Kilda. The team, competing as Walyalup against the Saints, known as Euro-Yroke, delighted the 53,707-strong home crowd by overpowering their opponents in the final quarter to win 16.8 (104) to 11.8 (74).
Injury Challenges Overcome
The Dockers entered the match with concerns after losing key players such as Alex Pearce, Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Sean Darcy, and Jaeger O'Meara to injury. However, their forward line remained intact, and it was the big men who made the difference.
Josh Treacy was enormous, collecting 19 disposals, 11 marks, two goals, and several crucial tackles. Every time the Dockers faced trouble, he provided the answer. Jye Amiss kicked three goals and contributed to others, while Pat Voss excelled in a defensive role on Callum Wilkie and added three goals of his own. Murphy Reid (20 touches and a goal in the second half), Isaiah Dudley, and Michael Frederick also played key roles, giving the Dockers an abundance of talent forward of centre.
St Kilda's Strong Start
Fremantle had won nine games in a row under Ross Lyon in 2015, and it was clear Lyon had a plan to prevent them from setting a new record against him. St Kilda started well, with Marcus Windhager staying close to Shai Bolton and Reid as they rotated through the centre square. The Saints controlled early clearances, gaining field position and applying immense pressure. They kicked the first two goals of the game, missed another shot on the run, and had two attempts that did not score.
It took Fremantle 15 minutes to settle, but then their key forwards stepped up. Voss found Amiss on the lead for Fremantle's first goal, Treacy took an impressive mark and kicked another, and Voss added a third from a free kick. However, St Kilda's pressure remained high, creating another goal before Mason Wood kicked their fourth to give the Saints a six-point lead at quarter time.
Second Quarter Battle
The pressure continued at the start of the second term, with a turnover leading to a goal from Mattaes Phillipou. But Fremantle's forward line then took over. The Dockers, known for scoring in bursts this season, hit the front with three goals in seven minutes—two from Amiss and one from Voss—as the midfield found more space. Costly mistakes, including a 50-metre penalty and a deliberate rushed behind penalty against Karl Worner, allowed St Kilda to regain momentum. Wood followed up with another goal, putting the Saints eight points up. However, a brilliant left-foot snap from Frederick meant Fremantle trailed by only one point at halftime.
Third Quarter Momentum
Fremantle lifted a gear during the third quarter as their big men continued to have an impact. Voss's tackle on Byrnes led to a goal to Sam Switkowski. Amiss received a free kick for an arm chop, and the umpire allowed advantage play to continue after calling time-on, resulting in Dudley's kick bouncing through for a goal. Treacy was everywhere, taking marks in the backline, laying brutal tackles, and setting the standard. He was gasping for air after a huge effort at the three-quarter time siren. The ball lived in Fremantle's forward half, but Lyon's teams know how to defend and counter-attack. The Saints held firm for a long time and made the Dockers pay for mistakes. Fremantle led by one goal at the final change.
Final Quarter Drama
The record was within touching distance, but the Saints kept coming. They hit the lead just three minutes into the final term, putting the challenge in front of the Dockers. Treacy answered the call again, kicking his second goal from his 10th mark to put Fremantle back in front. Reid nailed a brilliant long-range goal that got the crowd pumped up, making the equation tough for St Kilda. Dudley crumbed beautifully for another goal, and when Amiss kicked his fourth, the game was over. The Dockers had their record.
All that was left was a Sir Doug Nicholls Round moment. Bolton provided two highlights—a spectacular mark at one end and a brilliant goal at the other that had him dancing. Dockers fans will be celebrating all weekend, with 10 wins in a row giving them every reason to cheer.
