The Demons brought the heat and Darwin brought the humidity as Fremantle fell by 54 points to Melbourne on Saturday night at TIO Stadium.
Melbourne controlled the game in taxing conditions, with the Dees dominating the disposals (440-338) and inside 50 count (78-28).
The Demons’ inaccuracy saved Freo’s blushes somewhat, with Melbourne’s 13.24 (102) total to Fremantle’s 7.6 (48) keeping the game closer than it could have been.
In Stephen Hill’s 200th game, it was the running midfielder who arguably delivered the most effort, laying 10 of Fremantle’s 76 tackles and leading the team with 25 disposals and 12 contested possessions.
Tommy Sheridan continued what has been a string of impressive performances since breaking back into the lineup in round 11, collecting 23 disposals, kicking two goals and laying five tackles.
Brennan Cox’s potential was again on show. The round 12 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee kicked two goals, with his first coming from a strong mark and conversion from a tight angle, 30m out.
Michael Walters was Fremantle’s remaining multiple goalscorer, with two goals to go with his 22 disposals.
Adam Cerra also continued his emergence with 22 disposals, seven marks and five rebound 50s but Melbourne’s dominance moderated the positive signs coming from a number of Freo’s younger players.
Clayton Oliver (35 disposals) and Angus Brayshaw (31) helped Melbourne win the contest on the ground, with a holding the ball decision against brother Andrew being the elder Brayshaw’s only blemish of the night.
Fremantle has an eight-day break to prepare for Port Adelaide, played next Sunday at Optus Stadium.
