Fremantle’s 2013 season was gaining momentum on the back of a thrilling one point win against Richmond and a resounding win on the Gold Coast against the Suns, giving them a 4-2 record after round six.
Round seven featured Fremantle up against fellow top four contender Collingwood at Patersons Stadium, a team the Dockers hadn’t beaten since Round 22, 2008.
A loss would put Fremantle in an adverse position, as they faced a tough trip to Sydney the week after to face the Swans.
Fremantle forward Michael Walters recalls playing against Collingwood’s 2010 premiership players who made them such a formidable side for many years.
“They had quality players like Brent MacAffer, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom, who could just run and change a game off their own boot,” Walters said.
“That’s what made them such an accomplished, elite footy team, because of all the players they drafted plus all the other young players stepping up to the next level and playing their role.”
Talking points: Rd 14 v Collingwood
Any fears amongst Fremantle fans were quelled in the first quarter. The Dockers burst out of the blocks, kicking six goals to one to lead by 32 points at quarter time, and followed up by kicking the first two goals of the second term to extend the lead to a game high 44 points.
However Fremantle’s ruck stocks suffered a blow with Jonathon Griffin going down with a knee injury in the first quarter.
Collingwood began to get the upper hand around the clearances, but only managed to cut the deficit to 36 points by half time.
The Magpies soared back into the contest in the third quarter, kicking six goals to one to cut the margin to just five points at the final change.
The Magpies kicked the first goal of the final quarter to take the lead, but a goal to ruckman Jack Hannath 10 minutes into the quarter gave Fremantle the lead again, and they never looked back.
Mayne made it a two goal margin several minutes later, before Walters put on a show by kicking two goals in a three minute span to all but secure Fremantle’s third consecutive win.
Hayden Crozier made it five goals to one for the quarter, and the Dockers won by 27 points, 15.10 (100) to 10.13 (73).
Michael Walters was impressive up forward for Fremantle in the absence of Matthew Pavlich, finishing with 18 disposals, six marks and four goals in a best on ground performance.
Luke McPharlin also performed a stellar job on Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke, holding him to four behinds for the night.
The win was Fremantle’s third in what became an eight game unbeaten run (They had their first draw in club history against the Swans in round eight), setting up a top four place and ultimately their first Grand Final appearance.
The Dockers have won three in a row against Collingwood, though this will be their first meeting at the MCG since 2012.
Walters says that Friday night’s match will be a great chance for Fremantle’s young players to get their first experience of playing at the ‘G’, and the Magpies will provide a great test for the in-form Dockers.
“Most of the boys are pretty excited and looking forward to playing an AFL game on the MCG for the first time. It’s the ground you most want to play at,” Walters said.
“We have to be on our guard as Collingwood are a team capable of running over anyone.”
Fremantle takes on Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night at 5:50 AWST.
