TonyK
CibbuanoDockers overrun Cats
April 11th 2010 11:02
FREMANTLE has stamped itself as a genuine finals contender with a come-from-behind seven-point win over Geelong in a high-quality contest at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.
The Dockers trailed by 14 points at three-quarter time but slammed on six goals to three in the final stanza to record a memorable 18.17 (125) 17.16 (118) victory.
The result means Fremantle is unbeaten after the first three rounds of the season for the first time in their history.
Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich starred with a team-high 26 possessions and five goals, young gun Stephen Hill was impressive with 23 touches and two goals while Paul Duffield collected 25 disposals and kicked the match-winner.
Third-gamer Anthony Morabito, Hayden Ballantyne and Adam McPhee chipped in with two majors apiece while Aaron Sandilands was dominant in the ruck with 37 hit-outs.
Despite losing, it was an impressive performance by the Cats given that they were coming off a six-day break after a bruising encounter against Hawthorn and were without number one ruckman Brad Ottens (knee soreness) as well as star defender Matthew Scarlett and key forward Cameron Mooney due to suspensions.
Gary Ablett led the way for Geelong with 33 possessions and four goals while Paul Chapman racked up 28 touches and kicked three majors.
The Dockers will now face fellow undefeated side St Kilda at Etihad Stadium next Sunday while Geelong will clash with Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium.
FREMANTLE: 3.6, 9.8, 12.12, 18.17 (125)
GEELONG: 4.4, 8.10, 14.14, 17.16 (118)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 5, Morabito 2, Headland 2, Hill 2, McPhee 2, Ballantyne 2, Barlow, Hayden, Duffield
Geelong: Ablett 4, Chapman 3, Hawkins 3, Johnson 2, Podsiadly 2, Bartel, Selwood, Duncan
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Hill, Sandilands, Duffield, Morabito, Broughton, Johnson
Geelong: Ablett, Chapman, Selwood, Enright
INJURIES: Fremantle: Suban (knee)
Geelong:
REPORTS: Fremantle Hayden Ballantyne reported for misconduct in the first quarter.
CHANGES: Fremantle Christ Tarrant (ankle) replaced in selected side by Steven Dodd
UMPIRES: Margetts, Avon, McInerney
CROWD: 38,762 at Subiaco Oval
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