It was a riveting six-point victory to Fremantle against North Melbourne. This was the riveting one-point AFL clash that played out at Optus Stadium on Saturday night. It was the most clinical efficiency within Fremantle’s attacking third—a game-breaking element that would prove to be the difference between the matchday foes. With this win, Fremantle improved their record to 8-5, marking their fourth consecutive victory and boosting their confidence ahead of upcoming home games against Essendon and St Kilda.
Fremantle were intent from the opening bounce to shake the “bye bogey” they had developed in their previous games off. With the team having dropped their last three matchups following a bye, the team was focused on reversing their luck. Within the first five minutes of play, Fremantle’s Patrick Voss firmly planted himself on the match’s highlight reel. His three first-half goals provided his team with an insurmountable lead. His offensive contributions helped Fremantle lead by as many as 21 points at the half.
Even with a few misses in front of goal (they were at 2.5 at one point), Fremantle’s attack was gaudy. A standout moment came from Shai Bolton, who launched a spectacular 49-metre goal, adding to the excitement of the match. Fremantle’s ruckman Luke Jackson scored a crafty snap that gave his side a five-point lead. He punctuated their lift with that amazing play.
Once the game got underway it was obviously a different story, and Fremantle came out hard. Caleb Serong’s goal extended their lead to 28 points, underscoring the team’s dominance on the field. Injuries began to greatly affect the team’s performance on the field. In addition, forward Sam Switkowski sustained a hamstring injury in the second half that may sideline him for upcoming matches.
The match drew a global audience with its intense exhibition. That this is beheld by a genuinely electric crowd of 31,408 attendees only sweetened that pot of gold. It was technically a North Melbourne home game, as the Kangaroos sold this match to Western Australia as part of a multi-game deal over the next three years. The crowd passionately supported both teams.
Fremantle supersub Nat Fyfe literally got off the bench in the last few minutes of the third term. The crowd cheered in gratitude and he welcomed them right back. His presence provided an added layer of mystique as Fremantle aimed to finally finish a match strong.
For their troubles, North Melbourne though, were on the back foot for large swathes of the game, showing flashes of brilliance that created a flurry of chances. Luke Parker’s two first half majors contribution for the Roos, backstopped by his ability to finish in traffic and under duress. As the clock wound down, an unexpected turn of events played out. Harry Sheezel’s game-winning winner was not a straightforward conversion in that Sheezel had three teammates in the vicinity, but he was unable to convert because Fremantle’s Josh Treacy pulled off a game-saving mark on the last line of defense.
