For first-year Fremantle player Shane Yarran, Sunday’s 20-point win against the Western Bulldogs at Domain Stadium is still sinking in.

Yarran had not won a match at AFL level since making his debut against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium in round 18.

Having been drafted with pick 61 in the 2015 NAB AFL draft, the 27-year-old finally experienced victory at the highest level in game number six.

He said the feeling was surreal.

“I’m honestly still pinching myself,” Yarran said.

“From where I’ve come from… Standing around in a circle and getting the Gatorade tipped all over me – it’s what all the hard work is for.

“The atmosphere is great – everybody’s spirits are up and about.

“The crowd was unreal.

“It’s a special occasion.”

'I'll always be thankful' - Pavlich

Yarran was lively all afternoon and played a particularly active role in honouring champion forward Matthew Pavlich in his 353rd and final game.

Early in the first quarter, the mid-sized forward found himself streaming unopposed towards goal with only the 34-year-old veteran and his Bulldogs’ opponent in front of him.

Yarran might’ve been forgiven for having the shot himself, but instead handballed to his retiring teammate, who was standing alone in the goalsquare.

He said the thought of kicking the goal never crossed his mind.

“I got the ball and I knew I had a paddock behind me,” Yarran said.

“I saw Pav there and thought straight away ‘I’ve got to give it to him’.

“It was probably something I had to do.

“It was awesome.”

Reflecting on his overall performance, Yarran pinpointed his pressure up forward as a point of improvement.

“I think my pressure up forward was a lot better – it was probably one of my better games with my defensive pressure,” Yarran said.

“It’s something that I’ve been focusing on throughout the week with my mental imagery.”