Dockers cling on for historic win as surging Swans fall just short - AFL.com.au

Dockers cling on for historic win as surging Swans fall just short

Alex Malcolm  April 25, 2015 11:21 PM

FREMANTLE has outlasted the Sydney Swans in a low-scoring epic at Domain Stadium to remain undefeated after four rounds for the first time in club history. 

But the Swans gave the Dockers an almighty scare, coming from 48 points down at half-time to get within three points in last quarter, only for the Dockers to hold their nerve, a Chris Mayne goal icing the win 11.8 (74) to 8.12 (60) in front of 39,009 fans.

Five talking points: Fremantle v Sydney Swans

Nat Fyfe put together another extraordinary performance to help drag his side over the line. He gathered 27 touches, 16 contested, took five marks, had eight clearances and kicked 1.2 in a best on ground display.

Aaron Sandilands was dominant in the ruck, particularly in the first half, with 32 hit-outs for match. Matthew Pavlich kicked three crucial goals including a badly needed steadier in the last quarter.

The Swans fought bravely with Dan Hannebery dominating at the coalface. He had 31 disposals, 16 contested, and was a big reason for Swans resurgence in the second half. 

Sam Reid was outstanding with 22 disposals and 11 marks after shifting from defence to the wing. Jake Lloyd ran hard all night gathering 25 touches and kicking a big goal in the last quarter. 

Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett kicked two goals each and if the Swans had kicked straighter they might have pinched it. There were three score review decisions in the second half. Two went Fremantle's way and one went to the Swans but neither coach had an issue with the decisions.

Sam Reid was outstanding in defence with 22 disposals and 11 marks. Jake Lloyd ran hard all night gathering 25 touches and kicking a big goal in the last quarter.  

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Dockers cling on for historic win as surging Swans fall just short - AFL.com.au