On the surface, Fremantle’s round 14 win over Essendon in 2006 was a regulation home victory over a side which had lost its past 12 matches.

What history tells us, however, is that this match sparked the greatest winning streak in the Fremantle Dockers’ history - one that catapulted the club to within one win of qualifying for its maiden AFL Grand Final appearance.

Nine wins in a row, beginning with the 37-point success over the hapless Bombers, put Fremantle into the top four at season’s end.

After losing the first final in Adelaide, the club won its first ever AFL finals match a week later with a win over Melbourne at Subiaco.

Eventual runners-up Sydney ended the dream in the Preliminary Final with a 37-point win.

In round 14 against Essendon, it was Paul Hasleby that got things going from the midfield with 27 possessions, while Shaun McManus (26) and Troy Cook (23) were also solid contributors.

Up forward, the damage was done by the brilliant Matthew Pavlich with four goals.

The Ryan’s - Crowley and Murphy - also booted four majors each as Freo ran out comfortable winners.