Fremantle has turned a 36-point deficit at quarter time into a famous win for the footy club, outplaying St Kilda in the second half in the 79-73 win.
They did it despite having two fewer players on the bench, losing Hayden Young (leg) and Sean Darcy (concussion) in the first half and with Nathan Fyfe spending the whole second half in the goal square as he continues to recover from a minor hamstring. Even when the game was on the line.
The Sains had complete control of the game in the first term, kicking seven goals to one with calls that Freo were tired after their lengthy stint on the Gold Coast and ready to head home to Perth, while St Kilda was fresh coming off a nine-day break.
Then the Dockers kicked eight goals to one across the next two quarters, with calls that St Kilda’s 6:30AM wake-up call and trek from Noosa to Metricon Stadium an issue for their preparation. Feel free to choose or dismiss whichever narrative you prefer.
The Saints pushed hard late in the final quarter to get the game back to level pegging, but a Lachie Schultz goal was the difference as time expired.
Gerard Healy labelled it the “best win of the year” on Fox Footy.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Holding the ball interpretation raises eyebrows
The new holding the ball interpretation continues to raise eyebrows with Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy among those frustrated by the sudden rule change.
Healy suggested players let someone else grab the ball, rather than taking it yourself, so you can tackle them and win the free kick.
Fremantle took full advantage of the change, receiving multiple free shots at goal because of it at crucial stages of the third term.
Former Carlton defender Dale Thomas also voiced his displeasure at the new rule on Twitter.
Collingwood superstar Dane Swan agreed with the tweet, saying the new rule is “horrible”. The likes of Brad Green and Kane Cornes also voiced their approval.
Players choosing to not take possession , knock the ball on or wait to tackle an opponent as the umpire’s are torching any one who makes the play. This new interpretation of holding the ball sucks! #Aflfreosaints
— Dale Thomas (@DThomas_39) July 11, 2020
Long in MRO hot water
St Kilda defender Ben Long could face a lengthy stint on the sidelines after a big bump on Fremantle’s Sean Darcy.
Long made high contact on the ruckman late in the second term, with Darcy needing help to get off the ground and clearly looking stunned.
Darcy was ruled out of the game with concussion shortly after.
Whether the bump is graded intentional or careless will likely be the determining factor as to whether Long misses two or three weeks, given the heaviness of the hit.
North Melbourne premiership player David King believes he should miss even more than that.
Sean Darcy was slow to his feet after this clash with Ben Long. pic.twitter.com/rl6Uri5kEc
— AFL (@AFL) July 11, 2020
The mediocre penalties for bumping the head has never been a deterrent- hence we still see instances like the Sean Darcy – Ben Long clash.
Clear decision made by Long – 4 week suspension for me.
Take a bloody stand!!— David King (@davidking34) July 11, 2020
FULL SCORE
Fremantle: 1.2, 6.4, 9.7, 12.7. (79)
St Kilda: 7.2, 8.5, 8.5, 11.7. (73)
GOALS
Fremantle: Schultz 2, Fyfe 2, Taberner 2, Darcy, Tucker, Banfield, Bewley, Lobb, Serong
St Kilda: Membrey 3, Jones 2, King, Billings, Gresham, Lonie, Butler, Kent
BEST
Fremantle: Tucker, Brayshaw, Walters, Fyfe, Taberner, Lobb
St Kilda: Steele, Membrey, Wilkie, Clark, Battle, Jones
Reports: Long
Injuries
Fremantle: Young (syndesmosis), Darcy (Concussion)
St Kilda: None
