RECAP: Fremantle stunned at MCG as Melbourne record first victory of season
Fremantles’ season is back on track with three straight victories and with a clash against winless Melbourne at the MCG, they will be confident of making it four on the trot.
However, they will need to do it without Heath Chapman who is a late out with illness.
Follow the action in our live blog.
That’s a wrap
It was not Fremantle’s day and they will have some soul searching to do on the long flight home to Perth.
But the turnaround is short with a clash against Adelaide on ANZAC day.
See you then!
Three-word analysis
FULL TIME: Melbourne 107, Fremantle 97
It’s the one that got away for the Dockers as the Demons get their first win of the season.
They had the chance to keep pace with the top four but instead Fremantle just cling to the top eight at three wins and three losses.
The Dockers could not stop Pickett up forward and have allowed the Demons to produce their best contested possession game of the last 10 years.
Brayshaw tried to do it on his own in the last quarter, finishing with 33 touches but it’s Melbourne who see out the last minutes strongly.
Last roll
The Dockers escape after Young gave away a dumb 50-metre penalty.
Langford extended the Dees lead with a clever snap but Melbourne could have iced the game with three missed goals.
The Dockers are trying to gain ground but Gawn keeps standing in the way.
MEL 106, FRE 91
One kick in it
Amiss has another!
Fremantle escaped the back half again and the Demons are falling apart.
MEL 97, FRE 91
Game on!
The Dockers break out of the back half with hands and Bolton delivers the ball to Amiss on the chest just outside the square.
The forward bangs it through and Fremantle are coming.
MEL 97, FRE 85
Where’s Treacy?
The big forward has had a great start to the year but Josh Treacy has had just five touches today and kicked his lone goal in the first term.
Does he need to come up the ground in this last quarter?
MEL 96, FRE 76
THREE-QUARTER TIME: Melbourne 95, Fremantle 76
A free kick for holding against Pearce in the dying seconds means Fremantle win the quarter by just two points with Melbourne leading by 19.
It was another see-sawing term but Fremantle just can’t get control and are making too many mistakes on defence.
Jake Bowey and Jack Viney are leading the way in the contest but the Dees have two injuries with Turner and Tholstrop out.
The sub!
Dudley has only been on the field a matter of minutes but he already has his first goal at the MCG!
Brayshaw showed good strength in the contest before Switkowski fed the ball into space for Dudley to mark.
He slots the set shot.
MEL 89, FRE 76
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