The Fremantle Dockers’ 17-point victory over Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon continued a hot streak of high fantasy scores since its loss to Richmond in Round 10.
Against the Power, Freo posted 1701 - the fourth-highest total of the round - backing up scores of 1877 against Essendon in Round 11 and 1742 against the Lions the following week.
In the mix: Rd 14 v Collingwood
Midfielder Michael Barlow, who has benefited from his transformation into an attacking tagger, led the side with a league-high total of 159. Given he amassed scores of 146 and 187 in two matches for Peel earlier this season, Barlow’s recent form spike justifies his $507,000 price tag.
Zac Clarke (101) was another to benefit from his extended role, as he shouldered most of the ruck work in Jack Hannath’s absence without spending too much time in the forward line.
Lachie Neale (128) was a beneficiary of Clarke’s ruck work as he quietly gathered another 38 possessions, while Danyle Pearce’s 106 boosted his three-round average to an impressive 99.
Wait paying off for mature-age Collins
It was a tougher week for the cash cows with Darcy Tucker (37), Sam Collins (46) and Lachie Weller (47) struggling to find the ball after promising performances against Brisbane.
But Connor Blakely (77) still justified a spot on the field as coaches sought to plug gaps created as a result of the mid-season byes.
Top five scores:
- Michael Barlow, $507,000 (MID/FWD): 159 (AVG. 98.9)
- Lachie Neale, $554,000 (MID): 128 (AVG. 109.7)
- Danyle Pearce, $423,000 (MID): 106 (AVG. 78.8)
- Matthew Pavlich, $355,000 (FWD): 106 (AVG. 69.7)
- Lee Spurr, $377,000 (DEF): 105 (AVG. 78.5)
Top Five Price changes:
- Hayden Ballantyne, $347,000 (FWD): +$26k (+$41k)
- Connor Blakely, $360,000 (MID): +$23k (+$223k)
- Michael Barlow, $507,000 (MID/FWD): +$22k (-$8k)
- Matt Taberner, $334,000 (FWD): +$20k (+$101k)
- Hayden Crozier, $384,000 (FWD): +$19k (+$153k)
