Kepler’s year is over

With Kepler Bradley out of action for the remainder of the season, Fremantle’s forward set-up will look decidedly different over the coming weeks. Matthew Pavlich is still out for another month or so, and Zac Clarke is yet to play a game this season. The scoring duties up front now fall on Chris Mayne and the Freo mosquito fleet of Hayden Ballantyne and Michael Walters. A big body will still be required, so debutant Jack Hannath looks set to keep his spot despite a very quiet debut.

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Jack makes his mark

He was hardly sighted all night, but Jack Hannath saw an opportunity to leave an undeniable mark on his debut game, and the 21-year-old rose above all and grabbed it with both hands. His contested pack-mark with seconds remaining crushed yellow and black hearts around the country. “I had to do something,” Hannath said after the match.

Watch Jack speak post-match

‘Ibbo’ and ‘Subes’ bounce back

Nick Suban was dropped for the Richmond game after a poor showing the week before. Form and injury have kept Garrick Ibbotson out of the Freo side this year. Both ended up in the line-up on Friday night, Ibbotson by selection, and Suban because Paul Duffield withdrew before the game. Ibbotson was tremendous, hauling in 11 marks playing in defence. Suban started as the sub but was called on in the second term to replace the luckless Kepler Bradley. He was as prominent as any player on the ground in the second half. Kudos goes to both Freo boys for the manner in which they stood up and showed why they belong in the best 22.

The goal-umpiring controversy

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick called it a joke. Ross Lyon agreed that the Tigers were stiff, while the AFL admitted the goal review system should have been called upon to determine the contentious disallowed goal in the final quarter. Richmond did score a goal soon after the incident from the ensuing kick-out, effectively making it a seven-point play.

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Patersons thrillers

If you like your footy to include lots of contentious decisions and a heart-stopping finale, then Patersons Stadium on a Friday night is the place for you. Freo staged its second consecutive Friday night home game in round 5, just a fortnight after the epic round 3 clash with Essendon. Chris Mayne had the chance to be the hero in that game, but his attempt on goal hit the post with just seconds remaining. Last Friday night, it was Hayden Ballantyne’s turn. The dynamic forward made sure there’d be no repeat heartbreak at Freo by kicking the winning goal. You might want to make sure you get your ticket to Freo’s next home game in round 7, when we take on Collingwood under lights on a Saturday night.

Watch Ballantyne's amazing match-winner