Fremantle played most of the second half against St Kilda without their champion Nat Fyfe, were sloppy with their use of the ball and often fumbled when handling it.
Yet they were able to hold off a fast-finishing St Kilda to score a five-point win, denying the Saints a perfect 3-0 start to the season.
Best on ground: Michael Walters celebrates kicking another major for the Dockers during the round 3 clash against St Kilda at Optus Stadium in Perth.Credit:AAP
Brandon Matera was the unlikely hero for the Dockers, kicking three goals, including two in the final term, to guide his side to a 11.5 (71) to 9.12 (66) win.
While the Saints kicked the last two goals of the game, the last one, Jack Billings second, was scored with only eight seconds left on the clock.
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Star small-forward Michael Walters bounced back from a poor showing against the Gold Coast last week to help earn Fremantle the four premiership points.
He kicked two goals himself, but contributed so much more, with 27 possessions and eight clearances.
Out of action: Fremantle caption Nat Fyfe is escorted off the ground after a clash of heads, and didn't return to the game.Credit:AAP
The Dockers gave up the games opening goal, but then kicked the next six to lead by 31 points early in the second quarter.
It looked like one-way traffic and another impressive win on home soil for Ross Lyons lads.
If they had been cleaner with their disposal during those early stages of the game, it could have been out of the Saints' reach at half-time.
St Kilda faced a continuous struggle to get the ball in their attacking half of the ground.
Synchronised signalling: Saint Josh Bruce helps out with pointers from the sidelines.Credit:AAP
At quarter-time, Fremantle had recorded 40 more touches and enjoyed a 20-6 advantage in inside 50s, thanks to their effort to be first to the ball.
When the Saints went inside 50 for the seventh time, 10 minutes into the second quarter, they final took their first mark in attack.
By then, the Dockers had kicked six goals.
Fyfe in strife
Fremantle played the last quarter and a bit without their champion Nat Fyfe, who was on the bench with concussion.
He clashed heads with the Saints Josh Battle halfway through the third term and then crashed heavily into the hard Optus Stadium turf.
It was difficult to watch as he was being helped from the ground and his legs were falling out from underneath him.
He will be a big story this week as the West gears up for the Derby between the Dockers and West Coast – both with 2-1 records.
Wait a little Longer
Despite winning their two opening games, St Kilda took a battering in the ruck. They went in to Sundays game on the wrong side of a 57-101 hit-out ledger.
Some support was on its way, in the form of Billy Longer, who returned to the VFL on Friday night after a hamstring injury sustained over summer.
And he was good too, with 47 hit-outs and 13 touches in Sandringhams loss to Footscray.
But the Saints may be able to give Longer more time in the seconds before returning him to AFL action. Rowan Marshall was terrific against the Dockers Rory Lobb.
Tangled up: Saint Rowan Marshall takes on Docker Rory Lobb.Credit:AAP
The Saints won the hit-Read More – Source
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