An overwhelming last quarter enabled the Fremantle Dockers to power past depleted cross town rivals West Coast in front of 39,839 at the Paterson Stadium on Sunday, but the win may come at the cost after captain Matthew Pavlich was booked for a high hit on Mitch Brown.
Down by two points at three-quarter time, the Dockers powered home to kick eight final quarter goals and hold off a determined Eagles side missing a number of key contributors.
Pavlich led a well spread Fremantle attack to kick three goals in just his second game back from an extended injury break, but has a date with the AFL Tribunal after landing a heavy hit on defender Brown during the third quarter.
Michael Walters and Chris Mayne added three goals each, but the winner of the Ross Glendinning Medal went to ball magnet Michael Barlow, who had 26 touches and kicked two goals. Barlow was just one of a number of Fremantle midfield performances worthy of the medal- Nathan Fyfe had 30 disposals, David Mundy 28, and Stephen Hill provided unmatched pace to go along with his 27 touches and two goals in game 100.
West Coast were led by strong efforts from veterans Matt Priddis, Andrew Embley and Darren Glass while young forward Jack Darling returned to form with a spirited five goal game.
The class of Fremantle’s midfield eventually ran out supreme after a disappointing second quarter saw the Eagles overcome a three goal deficit on the back of some excellent defensive pressing, but were unable to keep up with Fremantle’s fourth quarter rampage without the likes of Luke Shuey, the Selwoods and Beau Waters down back.
With a spot in the top four in the balance, the Dockers may be without Pavlich for next weekend’s vital clash against the Tigers at the MCG, however West Coast is in danger of losing Embley for next Sunday’s match against reigning premiers Sydney after landing a careless hit that knocked out Fremantle defender Clancee Pearce.
West Coast is currently 10th, one game and one percentage point behind Port Adelaide for the eighth and last finals spot.
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