Fremantle Dockers put on a commanding show against long-time rivals Essendon Bombers in a game where ex-players made most of the noise. Caleb Serong and Luke Jackson emerged as major players. Collectively, their efforts propelled the Dockers to their biggest win ever, catapulting the previously-last-place Dockers into contention for the top-four. As the opening round match played out at Marvel Stadium, you could feel the excitement in the air. Tensions understandably flared as physical confrontations ensued between players on either team.
Absolute gun Caleb Serong was probably best on ground, accumulating 35 touches, seven clearances and booting two majors. His ruck performance, though, was absolutely crucial to Fremantle’s massive upset victory. At the same time, Luke Jackson was dominating, too, amassing 21 disposals, 48 hitouts, 10 clearances and three goals. Jackson’s knack for winning his one-on-one battle against Vigo Visentini was a big story of the game. Visentini was able to put together 15 disposals and 17 hitouts but failed to keep pace with Jackson’s impact.
The game was filled with clashes, particularly between Patrick Voss, who played two years at Essendon before crossing to Fremantle. Voss had a great battle with Nic Martin and it turned into an intense contest. Luckily Nat Fyfe immediately rushed in to attempt to diffuse the situation. Voss has been quite candid about his time with the Bombers, saying that
“It was good to get the win. I knew a fair few of the boys so there was a fair bit of back and forth but it was good fun.” – Patrick Voss
Even in that cutthroat environment, Voss was able to spare friendships with his ex-teammates, noting,
“Spent two years there, got a few good mates, I’m sure we’ll catch up after the game.” – Patrick Voss
On the other end of the field Jye Caldwell and Darcy Parish were brilliant for Essendon. Caldwell recorded 32 disposals and eight clearances while Parish contributed 31 disposals and six clearances, showing their determination to keep their team competitive.
Nate Caddy added to Essendon’s efforts with 15 disposals and one goal, and Josh Treacy finished with three goals for Fremantle, further solidifying the Dockers’ offensive capabilities.
Shai Bolton again found himself in a brawl with Essendon players after tempers flared in the contest. One of those came through Nathan O’Driscoll when he made a critical spoil while sprinting with the flight of the ball, showing off some terrific defensive instincts.
As the battle unfolded, Andrew McGrath, Jayden Laverde, and Angus Clarke worked tirelessly to respond to Voss’s bold plays. Yet their persistence revealed the dogged fight-to-the-death relentlessness that characterized the game.
